Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

What is diabetes? nnDiabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, chapatis, yams and plantain, from sugar and other sweet foods, and from the liver which makes glucose.nnCauses of diabetesnnHereditary or Inherited Traits : It is strongly believed that is due to some genes which passes from one generation to another. It depends upon closeness of blood relationship as mother is diabetes risk is 2 to 3%, father is diabetic risk is more than the previous case and if both the parents are diabetic, it has much greater risk for diabetes.nnDiabetes mellitus:Polydipsia is a classic finding with diabetes mellitus — a consequence of the hyperosmolar state. Other characteristic findings include polyuria, polyphagia, nocturia, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss. Signs of dehydration may occur.nnHypertension : It had been reported in many studies that there is direct relation between high systolic pressure and diabetes.nObesity: is also one of the major factors causing diabetes. Excessive body weight as compared to the height of an individual, serves as a predisposing factor for diabetes mellitus. It is commonly seen in patients at 40 years of age suffering from Type 2 Non-Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Due to extra amount of fat in the body, the insulin does not function properly in the body. Normally, the main function of Insulin is to allow the sugar present in the blood to enter the muscle and tissue cells. But due to increased fat in the body, the muscle and tissue cells become resistant to insulin, leading to high blood sugar level in blood (hyperglycemia) and finally diabetes.nnNumber of genes:Many genes are involved in controlling our fuel intake and regulation. A mutation in any one gene will probably not lead to diabetes, but mutations in several genes could add up to pose an increased risk.nnSymptoms of diabetesnn• Frequent trips to the bathroomnn• Extreme hungernn• Unusual weight lossnn• Increased fatiguenn• Irritabilitynn• Unquenchable ThirstnnTreatment of diabetesnnDiabetes Exercise Exercise techniques to enhance your life! Information on the best exercises for people with diabetes and motivational advice. nnMedications. Insulin and oral diabetes medications deliberately work to lower your blood sugar. But medications you take for other conditions may affect glucose levels. Corticosteroids, in particular, may raise blood sugar levels. Medications such as thiazides, used to control high blood pressure, and niacin, used for high cholesterol, also may increase blood sugar. If you need to take certain high blood pressure medications, your doctor will likely make changes in your diabetes treatment.nnInsulin injections:Even when diabetes pills do work, there may be the need to take insulin. And, because diabetes pills may help the body use insulin better, some physicians combine them with insulin injections in peoplenControlled diet:Food raises blood sugar levels. People with diabetes have the same nutritional needs as anyone else, that is to say, a well-balanced diet.