There are two types diabetes: Type 1 and type 2. The former, however, is far less common than the later. According to the estimates of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US, only 5 to 10 per cent of diabetics suffer from type 1, globally. Scientists haven’t yet been able to find out the cause behind this type of diabetes. A family history of type 1 diabetes and certain environmental factors can up your risk of this condition.
“Type 1 diabetes is a condition common in children and young people. It is also known as juvenile diabetes,” says Mumbai-based diabetologist Dr. Pradeep Gadge. It occurs when your immune cells destroy the beta cells of your pancreas, responsible for the secretion of insulin hormone. It is required to convert glucose onto energy. “When your body doesn’t have enough of this hormone, glucose doesn’t turn into energy. This increases the level of glucose or sugar in the blood and urine.
“The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown. There is no defined set of population to be considered at risk. However, research indicates that people who have a pool of autoantibodies in their body are at a higher risk of developing it,” says Dr Gadge. Research also suggests that genetic and environmental factors may play an instrumental role in the inception of type 1 diabetes.
A lot is yet to be found out about type 1 diabetes. The factors that can make one vulnerable to this condition are also poorly understood.
This blood test checks your sugar levels at any given point of time in the day. A reading of 200 mg/dL may be indicative of diabetes.
You may need this as a follow-up test if the results of the random glucose test are high. This blood test tells your doctor about body’s tolerance towards glucose. You need to take 75g of glucose orally 2 hours after this for a PPGT. A reading of 200 mg/dl or above confirms diabetes. A reading is between 140 mg/dl and 200 mg/dl, on the other hand, is indicative of impaired glucose tolerance.
Nearly 400 million people in the world have diabetes. In addition, it is estimated that 8 million people may be undiagnosed of the disease or are unaware of their health condition [1]. It is therefore essential that we increase awareness regarding diabetes. The first step is to know about the key signs and symptoms of diabetes.
This article will give you the correct information about diabetes and how simple lifestyle modifications can help reverse diabetes.
The primary source of energy for our body is glucose. It comes from the diet we take. Insulin is a hormone present in our body that helps absorb glucose by our body cells. Glucose enters the cells with the help of insulin and is further used for energy generation and body metabolism.
Insulin is produced by the pancreas beta cells. But when the pancreas beta cells become weak, or when our body becomes insulin resistant, insulin deficiency occurs. Due to insulin deficiency, the glucose does not reach the cells and stays in our blood. As a result, it causes an increase in blood glucose levels. Insulin Deficiency can be reversed by engaging in physical activities and adopting a nutrient rich diet.
When the blood glucose levels, also known as blood sugar levels in the body, are too high, it causes diabetes.
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