Several different genes influence a person’s risk in the complicated inheritance patterns of Type 1 diabetes. A gene known as DR has a role in Type 1 diabetes. Approximately, 95 percent of people with Type 1 diabetes possess two forms of this gene, called DR3 and DR4.

A person with both DR3 and DR4 has the highest level of insulin-destroying antibodies and typically develops diabetes at a very young age. It has been also found that people inheriting only DR3 have antibodies that destroy the insulin-producing beta cells, and also that such people develop diabetes at an older age. Those inheriting only DR4 have antibodies that destroy insulin and such people also possess a tendency to develop diabetes earlier in life.

A breakthrough was made in 2000 when researchers associated a variation of a gene called Caplain-10 with the development of Type 2 diabetes. This gene is otherwise not involved in glucose metabolism. However, one form of this gene produces a small amount of protein. Further investigation is on to find out as to whether this decrease in protein production increases a person’s risk for diabetes.

Certain genes cause a variation of Type 2 diabetes called ‘Maturity onset diabetes of the young’ (MODY), which occurs in people below 25 years of age. These genes remain active in the liver, intestine, kidney, and pancreas. Scientists are yet to understand how these genes cause MODY.

A genetic predisposition for diabetes mellitus has been singled out as a key environmental factor triggering Type 1 diabetes. Scientists are trying to determine what exactly causes the immune system to attack the cells that produce insulin. This would help to discover means to prevent the condition from developing. Certain viruses like mumps, rubella, and coxsackie B trigger an immune reaction against beta cells. In some cases they directly infect and destroy these cells.

Most Type 2 diabetes cases have been attributed to obesity. The risk increases by 4 percent for every pound of excess weight a person carries. Investigations are on to determine the exact role that extra weight plays in preventing the proper utilization of insulin. They are further trying to resolve the mystery as to why some overweight people develop the ailment while others do not.

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Type 1 diabetes

A patient with Type 1 diabetes needs insulin injections to provide the body with the insulin that it does not produce. It can be from two to four times a day. Doctors determine the amount of insulin needed. The quantity varies and is influenced by varied factors like a person’s diet, level of physical activity, and the presence of other health disorders.

Such individuals refer to a meter several times a day to measure the level of glucose in a drop of their blood obtained by pricking a fingertip. Then they adjust the amount of insulin to be injected, physical exercise, or food intake. These steps help to maintain the blood sugar at a normal level. However, extra care should be taken to ensure that too much insulin is not injected as it may cause serious health complicacies by producing low blood sugar levels. It can lead to hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by anxiety, confusion and shakiness. In such cases, the patient needs to eat food containing sugar like hard candy, fruit juice or glucose tablets.

Besides, Type 1 diabetics must distribute meals and snacks throughout the day. This helps the cells to absorb glucose. They can also eat foods containing complex sugars which break down slowly thereby causing a slower rise in the levels of blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes

The treatment for Type 2 diabetics generally commences with diet control, exercise, and weight reduction. Over time additional treatment may be required. Consult nutritionists to formulate a diet plan for regulating blood sugar levels. The ideal dietary roster goes a long way in ensuring that the glucose level in blood does not rise too swiftly following a meal. The recommended meal contains a variety of carbohydrates like beans, vegetables, and grains; provides moderate protein (10 to 20 percent of total calories); and is generally low in fat (30 percent or less of total calories).

Regular exercise is essential to enable the body cells to absorb glucose — even ten minutes of exercise a day is quite effective. Weight reduction partially reverses the body’s inability to use insulin. It depends on exercise and diet control.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – I)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – II)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – III)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – IV)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – V)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VI)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VII)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VIII)
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However, that is not the case!

The fact is that if that is done, diabetes mellitus will have already taken deep roots. This is primarily because this primarily lifestyle-disease strikes silently and gradually. The symptoms usually surface at an advanced stage.

The only way out is to ensure that the disease does dare to attack at all. This calls for preventive measures which must be initiated quite early. In fact people should take up prevention steps irrespective of whether there is any previous history of anyone in the person’s family being a diabetic.

We tend to forget that our body is a well-oiled machine. As with all machines, we need to do periodic servicing to keep it prim and proper. Since we cannot see or physically check the conditions of our internal organs like the pancreas or the lungs or the heart for instance, it is mandatory that we refrain from doing anything that may weaken them.

Diabetes is also called a rich man’s disease. It simply means too much of rich food, lots of mental tension and total lack of physical exercise. If these fit your bill too, beware! Immediately go for an overhaul. Check for an appointment with your doctor. Remember, improper dietary habits coupled with a couch-potato lifestyle aggravate the situation.

Here are the four golden rules:

First, reduce tension. Nay, banish it from your life!

You can’t solve any problem by ruminating over it. Plan out strategies with a positive bent of mind… all complicacies will vanish.
Second, the best way to go about it is to have self control. Sounds awfully tough? It’s rather simple. Practice meditation. No, don’t say you don’t have time. It is your life! Spare some moments for it! Only you can do it… Now, the ball is in your court.

Third, walk for at least 30 minutes morning and evening. Breathe in fresh air. Enjoy the environment, talk to yourself which you might not done for ages! Decide to bring about the change, and stick to that decision.

Fourth, turn and move your joints. Do some bending and squatting. Respect your body and it will give you the world in return.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – I)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – II)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – III)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – IV)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – V)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VI)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VII)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VIII)
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Of late, another test to detect Type 1 diabetes has been developed. It checks for particular antibodies present only in diabetics. Antibodies are proteins of the human immune system. They attack foreign substances). The test is ideal to detect diabetes at its initial stage, initiate necessary measures, and avoid the risk of complications arising from the disease.

Insulin Pump

The novel methods include the use of laser beams and infrared technology. A tiny computer using infrared light is used to measure a person’s blood sugar level. The computer automatically delivers the reading to an insulin pump carried on the diabetic’s body. The pump then injects the appropriate amount of insulin.

What exactly is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone (protein) produced in the ‘islets of Langerhans’ that are tiny cells of the pancreas. It regulates the metabolism of starches, fats, and carbohydrates, in the human body. Malfunctioning of the pancreas leads to various complicacies in the capacity of the pancreas to produce this life-sustaining hormone, thereby causing diabetes mellitus. This ailment is caused either by inhibition of insulin action on cells or by a deficiency of insulin production.

Diabetics need to control the insulin levels by monitoring their glucose levels several times daily. This is more so the case with people having Type-1 diabetes. Such dedicated monitoring of the glucose levels followed up by the necessary preventive measures show positive results. Researchers believe that close monitoring of blood sugar levels could also benefit people with Type 2 diabetes.

Mention may be made of the largest ever scientific study of diabetes treatment undertaken by DCCT (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial) in 1983, whose results were published in 1993. A group of 1,441 Type 1 diabetics aged 13 to 39 participated in it. The patients closely monitored their blood sugar levels four to six times a day, and maintained the levels as close to normal as possible. This was done to analyze the potential for reducing diabetes-connected complications like eye disorders, kidney or nerve ailments. The final report indicated a 50 to 75 percent reduction of diabetic problems in the participants who aggressively monitored and controlled their glucose levels.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – I)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – II)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – III)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – IV)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – V)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VI)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VII)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VIII)
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Blindness

Medical researches gave found Diabetes mellitus to be the leading cause of new cases of blindness particularly in the age bracket of 20 to 74. In untreated diabetes tiny blood vessels get blocked. If this happens in the blood vessels of the eye, it can lead to retinopathy which points to the breakdown of the lining at the back of the eye. This situation can lead to blindness.

Nephropathy

When diabetes mellitus affects the kidney, it is clinically termed nephropathy. It is actually the failure of the kidney to filter the toxins produced by the body. Diabetes mellitus has been found to be the main cause of around 40 percent of new cases of kidney failure or end-stage renal disease.

Cardiovascular Disorders

Cardiovascular disorders may result if the large blood vessels get blocked. Such blockages can occur in both diabetics as well as non-diabetic persons. However, those with diabetes mellitus are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular problems like stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure.

Feet Issues

Diabetes mellitus lead to various types of complications in the feet. For instance, it may cause numbness, particularly in the lower portions of the legs. Such loss of feeling comes in the way of the diabetics feeling the pain, or foot affection or the irritation of a break in the foot skin. If untreated, it may degenerate into serious complications over time necessitating foot or leg amputation.
Neuropathic conditions like coldness of the foot, sensitivity to touch, and burning pain can also occur.

Other Complications

Among the other common complications arising from diabetes mellitus are dental ailments and higher-risk pregnancies.
Diabetes mellitus is often termed a silent killer as the symptoms surface only after the ailment takes deep roots. Hence, it is advisable to go for periodic medical checkup after one crosses the teens. Of late the ailment has been found among the young age-group as well. It is therefore necessary that proper and effective preventive measures are initiated and healthy habits including active lifestyle are inculcated in the younger generation.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – I)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – II)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – III)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – IV)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – V)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VI)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VII)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VIII)
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(A) Type 1 diabetes; and
(B) Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes was earlier known as ‘Juvenile-Onset Diabetes’ and IDDM (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). The earlier nomenclatures of Type 2 diabetes were ‘Adult-Onset Diabetes’ and NIDDM (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus).

Type 1 Diabetes

Type-I diabetes is an autoimmune ailment as the very immune system that should fight diseases, on the other hand destroys the beta-cells — the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas: the body produces insulin in very inadequate quantities or does not produce insulin at all. It strikes people below the 20 years age group with most of the cases occurring around puberty — 12 to 14 years among males and 10 to 12 among females.

The symptoms reveal themselves all of a sudden. Approximately five to 10 percent of the diabetes cases in the USA are of this form while in Canada it accounts for around 10 percent of the total registered diabetes instances.

Causes

Researchers have identified more than 20 genes as responsible for triggering off such a situation. Among the environmental agents are certain viruses which have already affected the genes of some people.

Complications

Type-1 diabetes adversely affects the metabolism of fats. As the body fails to transform glucose for fuel, it starts breaking down the stored fat to get energy. As a result, acidic compounds known as Ketone are formed. These bodies hamper a vital functioning of the cells, namely the formation of energy called ‘Cellular respiration’.

Type 2 Diabetes

When there is imbalance between insulin production and the ability of cells to use insulin, it is called Type-2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in the post-45 stage.

Symptoms

The signs of Type-2 diabetes include the ones in Type-1 diabetes, besides generalized tiredness, numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, and repeated skin sores or infections that do not heal or heal rather slowly. The symptoms develop silently and gradually. Medical researchers believe that there is a strong causative link between obesity and Type 2 diabetes; and also that several genes work at tandem to cause this ailment. Approximately 80 percent of the Type 2 diabetics worldwide are significantly overweight.

Around 90 percent of all diabetics in Canada are Type 2; while in the United States about 15 million people (90 to 95 percent) of the nearly 16 million diabetics suffer this form of diabetes. The incidence of Type 2 among younger people is rising alarmingly.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – I)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – II)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – III)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – IV)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – V)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VI)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VII)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VIII)
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Global medical researches have zeroed on the following six hard facts about incidences of diabetes mellitus:

(1) More women than men have been diagnosed with the ailment.
(2) It is most common in adults over 45 years of age;
(3) In people who are overweight or physically inactive;
(4) In individuals who have an immediate family member with diabetes; and
(5) In people of African, Native American and Hispanic descent.
(6) The highest rate of diabetes in the world occurs in Native Americans.

Diabetes Mellitus may arise under two conditions:

(1) If the pancreas produces inadequate amount of the hormone known as insulin; or
(2) If the pancreas fails to produce that insulin.

In what other ways can Diabetes Mellitus develop?

Diabetes Mellitus can also develop if the liver, fat, and muscle cells fail to respond or respond rather poorly to the pancreas produced insulin. Then the glucose levels build up in the urine and blood of the diabetic.

What are the symptoms of diabetes mellitus?

The common symptoms are excessive urination, hunger, thirst and complicacies with the protein and fat metabolism.

Are diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus names of the same ailments?

No, they are not. Diabetes mellitus is more common than diabetes insipidus. The latter is caused by lack of vasopressin. This hormone controls the amount of urine secreted.
How is metabolism affected when the pancreas malfunctions?

Not less than 500 activities controlled by the pancreas are affected. All of them depend on the accurate functioning of the pancreas. The main function that gets hampered is metabolism. It includes the chemical reactions with the help of which the cells of an organism transform energy, reproduce, and maintain their identity.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – I)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – II)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – III)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – IV)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – V)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VI)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VII)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VIII)
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The Digestive Process

The human body has to first digest food to produce energy or fuel for carrying out the different chemical processes needed to sustain life. As the food is chewed and mixed with saliva, many psychological and physical processes get activated. The broken down food takes the shape of a pulp which is then gulped down. It is further seasoned in the stomach and intestines where the pulp is mixed with various enzymes or secretions of different internal organs and glands. Next, the fats, minerals, vitamins, and water components are segregated. After that, the blood carries these nutrients to the different designated portions of the body. It is at this juncture that the digestive process called metabolism or ‘burning of the food to derive the components, gets completed.

The Post Digestive Phase

Let us now see the three phases of activity that takes place in a normal person after the food is digested.

Stage 1: The glucose levels in the bloodstream rise.
Stage 2: The pancreas releases insulin.
Stage 3: The pancreas releases insulin to enable the body cells take up glucose.

What happens in a person suffering from diabetes mellitus?

Two things may happen. The body is either unable to use the insulin that the pancreas produces or the pancreas produces insufficient levels of insulin after food is digested.

If the body fails to use insulin properly, glucose is locked out of cells. Then it circulates through the body without being absorbed. High levels of sugar in the blood and urine impair the body’s ability to fight infections. In extreme situations, it may lead to ketoacidosis, a serious condition that may cause coma or death.

If the pancreas produces insufficient levels of insulin, the body is forced to break down fats instead of glucose for energy. This can lead to formation of poisonous chemicals called ‘ketones’, some of which get excreted in the urine. Some ketones also build up in the bloodstream leading to ketoacidosis.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – I)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – II)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – III)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – IV)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – V)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VI)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VII)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VIII)
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When does diabetes mellitus occur?

Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas starts malfunctioning. It can lead to inadequate production of insulin or the body fails to properly use the insulin produced.

What is the function of insulin?

Insulin converts glucose into glycogen which is stored in the muscles and liver to use it when needed. Just as less insulin is dangerous so also is excess insulin. The agents that control the release of insulin are the hormones.

How do hormones regulate insulin release?

Hormones regulate the release of insulin by causing blood sugar levels to drop. This in turn causes the pancreas to secrete less insulin.

Insulin

Insulin is an endocrine hormone produced and secreted by the pancreas. It aids the tissues of the human body to absorb sugar (glucose). The body uses the absorbed glucose as a source of energy. Insulin is produced in small groups of particularly modified glandular cells in the pancreas. These cell groups are known as the ‘Islets of Langerhans’.

The Pancreas

The pancreas is a conglomerate gland. It lies transversely across the abdominal posterior wall with its head lying in the duodenum concavity. The normal weight is about 3 oz (about 85 gm); and its thickness varies from 0.5 to 1 in (1.3 to 2.5 cm). The breadth is approximately 1.5 in (about 3.8 cm) while its length varies from 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm).

The pancreas automatically carries out both endocrine and exocrine secretions. The endocrine secretion, insulin, is important in the metabolism of sugar in the body; while the exocrine secretion consists of many enzymes discharged into the intestine to aid digestion.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – I)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – II)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – III)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – IV)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – V)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VI)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VII)
• Diabetes Mellitus: Know it to Check it (Part – VIII)
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Diabetes Mellitus : A Silent Invader

Diabetes is a silent invader
Diabetes is basically a rich man’s disease.
Diabetes happens to people who have enough to eat. It’s the wrong lifestyle or eating habits that cause diabetes.

Diabetes Connected to Modern Lifestyle

If diabetes is connected to modern lifestyle, what is ‘modern lifestyle’?
Modern lifestyle is marked by sedentary habits. Lack of physical exercise and unhygienic eating habits have combined to make the so-called “modern man” a potential victim of diabetes
The number of diabetics is rising daily.

When Does a Person Suffer From Diabetes?

A person suffers from diabetes when the person’s body fails to control the glucose (sugar) content in the body. Glucose or sugar is one of the catalysts that help the body to carry on its normal functions (technically termed ‘metabolism’).

Why is GLucose or Sugar Needed?

Glucose or Sugar is needed to generate heat for carrying on metabolism. It is the complex process activated the moment we put any morsel in our mouths. Metabolism breaks up the food into its constituents like minerals, fats, vitamins, water, sugar, water and waste products.

Which Organ Manages Glucose or Sugar?

The organ that manages the sugar absorption and content of the body is the pancreas located in the abdomen.
The pancreas secretes a hormone called ‘insulin’ which is actually the manager of glucose.

What is the link between Metabolism & Diabetes?

The most important and determining
Metabolism is a natural and spontaneous process that our bodies undertake.
Metabolism refers to the natural mechanism when the body ‘burns’ or breaks up the food we consume.
Metabolism extracts the vitamins, minerals and other important items required by the body.
Metabolism does this by generating heat to carry on the food burning and extraction (read ‘metabolism’) processes.

Diabetes Mellitus : Reform your eating habits

Diabetes has also been linked to the modern eating habits.
The rat race for pelf and power has transformed the lifestyle of a modern person to that of an automaton. Almost 99.9 per cent of the people are adopting a lifestyle where fast food is the rule.
They skip breakfast – for work!
They don’t have lunch – time is a constraint!
Supper is a forgotten term in the lexicon of the “modern-day” professional. They are too tired to prepare or cook their night-time meal.

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