Sunday, July 31, 2011

What are the Types of Diabetes

We have close people in our family who are suffering from diabetes or we our self might be suffering from it. Just saying that he / she has diabetes doesn't make sense. We should understand what it is and how many types of diabetes are there and what type of diabetes are we or person suffering from. Based upon certain factors Diabetes is divided into three categories Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2 and GMD. Following graph represents approximate percentage distribution of people suffering from diabetes based upon the type of diabetes


Diabetes
Diabetes for most of us is just high level of sugar levels in the human body. Our body controls the blood sugar level with the help of a hormone called insulin. Insulin is created by Pancreas. So lets see what are the type of diabetes based upon the above factors.

Type 2 Diabetes : Lets talk about type 2 diabetes first as this is the most common form of diabetes and around 85% diabetic patients suffer from type 2 diabetes. In Type 2 Diabetes a person becomes insulin resistant i.e insulin ( hormone ) is not efficient in reducing the blood sugar levels. The treatment mainly deals with diet and exercise. Sometimes if needs tables are suggested. Insulin injections are not taken in the beginning but may become a necessity later on. A research says that over 40% of the type diabetic need insulin shots to be taken.

Type 1 Diabetes : Less number of people compared to type 2 diabetes suffer from type 1 diabetes. In Type 1 Diabetics, sufficient insulin is not generated by pancreas. This happens because the body's immune system incorrectly destroys the insulin producing beta cells in the
pancreas. People affected with this has to take insulin shots several times a day depending on th doctor advise. I have seen people taking shots in marriages, hotels, restaurants. They also have to follow a strict diet plan and workout routine.

GMD ( Gestational Diabetes Mellitus )
GMD is a type of diabetic which develops or is diagnosed mostly during pregnancy test. In GMD a diabetic become carbohydrate intolerant but returns to normal on delivery. However in later life a diabetic complication may be developed in mother as well as baby.

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