Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, which cannot e cured but can be controlled. Still its management and treatment are challenging tasks, as this disease has become devastating and assumed epidemic proportions.
Majority of the food we eat is broken into sugars called Glucose. Glucose is then absorbed into the blood. But this glucose has to be got into our body “cells” from the circulating blood for energy, body building and function. The cells are surrounded by soft receptors which can not be penetrated by blood. The “key” for opening the “lock” of receptors is “Insulin”. The pancreas supplies this hormone to blood. Once Insulin opens the door, blood pours glucose into the cells, so that it becomes the fuel to run the body functions. Insulin is the “controller” of sugar levels in the body deciding how much glucose is to be utilized and how much to be stored. These are normal functions. The beta cells of the Pancreas in our body produces insulin. As long as sufficient Insulin is available, there is no problem.
But due to various reasons, when pancreas reduces or stops supply, the entry of glucose into body cells is hampered. This leads to high levels of glucose in the blood. Plenty of glucose energy is available but cannot be utilized.
Because of non – availability of energy – fuel – glucose, the brain searches out and uses “Fat:” as alternative source of energy. This leads to disturbances in acid balance level, accumulation of ketenes in the blood and eventually to convulsions preceding diabetic coma.
The symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus are
- Reduced body strength, numbness of limbs, general weakness and fatigue
- Loss of weight
- The urine out put gets excessive.
- Constant thirst.
- Skin eruptions, Itching in the groin and eczema on various parts of the body
- Voracious, in satiable hunger.
- Blurred vision
- Nausea, Vomiting
What brings on Diabetes Mellitus
Hereditary
Obesity
Lack of exercises
sedentary life style
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol levels.
Physical stress
In women – polycystic ovarian syndrome can trigger
Cortico – steroid medicine may cause diabetes
Types of Diabetes
Type 1:- This type is commonly called Juvenile diabetes and Insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM). The patients of Type 1 diabetes solely depend on Insulin. They may not be amenable to other types of treatment or alternate medicine.
Type 2:- Includes patients who can survive on oral medicines. The patients have low levels of Insulin; But could manage with medicines, food control and lifestyle change.
Type 3:- Gestational Diabetes
This occurs during pregnancy and may reduce or disappear once the delivery is over. This type can be controlled with medicine and diet, as it would affect foetus. Type 3 diabetes can be treated and cured.
Stages of Diabetes
The pre – diabetic stage:-
This is the stage when one has not yet been afflicted with Diabetes but liable to get it due to following factors
a) Heriditory
b) Women who delivers a high – weight. Child with a large head.
c) Frequent abortions.
2. The latent stage:-
In this stage, diabetes present is the body can not diagnosed with ordinary tests. Special tests are needed.
- Chemical stage:- (Sub – clinical stage)
The normal symptoms are absent. But blood shows increased blood sugar.
- Clinical stage:- Patient suffering from general symptoms, seeks medical help.
- Stage of complications:- When all symptoms of Diabetes manifest with complications.
Complications of diabetes
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Foot and skin ailments
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Cardio – vascular, and micro vascular diseases :
Treatment of Diabetes
Ayurveda has understood this disease since ancient times. It explains the cause of the disease to sedentary life style, eating heavy foods, oversleeping etc. Surprisingly, the Ayurveda recommends physical exercises and reduction of weight, along with medications. Lot of good ayurvedic preparations are available
