Diabetes- a common and serious illness, says experts
Author(s): City Air NewsLudhiana, September 2, 2015: Diabetes is a chronic disease which is increasing at a rapid pace all over the world. At present, in India more than 6 million people are suffering from diabetes and more than 6 million...
cityairnews
Sep 2, 2015 12:30
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Ludhiana, September 2, 2015: Diabetes is a chronic disease which is increasing at a rapid pace all over the world. At present, in India more than 6 million people are suffering from diabetes and more than 6 million are undiagnosed.
According to Dr Parminder Singh (Professor & Head of Endocrinology Department), Department of Endocrinology at DMCH provides consultative, diagnostic and therapeutic services for the full range of endocrine problems. He further said that people suffering from diabetes usually take their disease very lightly but it is a serious disease. Diabetes causes more deaths in a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined together. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to a host of long-term complications like heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, foot ulcer& wounds that may require an amputation, nerve damage, impotence in men and urinary tract infections etc.
According to Dr Navin Mittal (Associate Professor of Endocrinology), there are two major types of diabetes:-
Type 1 Diabetes – In this type of diabetes, body completely stops producing any insulin. This form of diabetes usually develops in children or young adults and can occur at any age.
Type 2 diabetes- It results when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or is unable to use insulin properly (insulin resistance). This form of diabetes usually occurs in people who are over 40, overweight, and have a family history of diabetes, although it is increasingly occurring in younger people.
Dr Mani Kant Singla (Associate Professor of Endocrinology) says Diabetes can occur in anyone but those who have family history of diabetes are more prone to having this disease. Other risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity.Also, people who develop diabetes while pregnant (a condition called gestational diabetes) are more likely to develop full-blown diabetes later in life.
People with diabetes frequently experience symptoms including:-
? Feeling very thirsty
? Frequent urination
? Increased hunger
? Weight loss
? Blurring of Vision
? Numbness in the hands or feet
? Frequent skin, bladder or gum infections,
? Wounds that don't heal
? Extreme unexplained fatigue
It is advised that people with diabetes should have a healthy diet plan, which should be low in saturated and trans fats, with meals based on lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, healthy fruits. Diabetic patients should avoid intake of sugar-sweetened beverages
List of advices for diabetic patients:-
• Regular brisk walk at least 30 minutes per day helps in controlling blood glucose and is good for heart.
• Blood glucose should be monitored at regular intervals.
• Medicines should be taken regularly.
• Cholesterol check up, kidney test, eye check up for retinopathy, feet examination should be done at regular intervals.
Diabetes is also the leading cause of foot amputation. To prevent foot damage these are few important tips:-
• Check your feet daily for breaks in the skin, blisters, bruises and infections
• Wash your feet with mild soap and warm water.
• Dry your feet well, especially between toes.
• Do not soak your feet in water for more than 10 minutes..
• Put lotion or cream on your heels and the bottoms of your feet
• Do not put lotion or cream between your toes or open areas.
• Never walk barefoot indoors or outdoors.
With regular monitoring, diet control, exercise and medications, most of the complications of diabetes can be easily prevented. Department of Endocrinology at DMCH provides consultative, diagnostic and therapeutic services for the full range of endocrine problems.
Date:
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
