Diabetes – The Bitter-Sweet Truth

1. Diabetes – The Bitter-Sweet Truth The disease also called the ‘silent killer’ is a disorder where the body cannot absorb blood glucose resulting in high blood sugar levels. If it is not treated, diabetes will affect internal organs and can be life-threatening. To reduce long-term costs, innovative methods are required to improve early detection and diagnosis. The disease also called the ‘silent killer’ is a disorder where the body cannot absorb blood glucose resulting in high blood sugar levels. If it is not treated, diabetes will affect internal organs and can be life-threatening. To reduce long-term costs, innovative methods are required to improve early detection and diagnosis. Types of diabetes • Type1 diabetes - the body’s inability to manufacture insulin. • Type2 diabetes: The body makes insulin, but body cells don’t respond to it.

2. • Gestational diabetes: This form affects women during pregnancy. • Pre-diabetes: This happens when blood glucose levels are more than usual but not high enough. Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus include High cholesterol levels, High BP, Obesity, Sedentary lifestyle, etc. Diabetics taking drugs to raise insulin levels can experience low blood sugar. Having high blood sugar over a period will damage the organs. Frequent thirst and urination, tiredness etc are diabetes symptoms. Tests to Determine Diabetes: • Fasting plasma Glucose Test: Assesses blood glucose levels after fasting for at least 8 hours. • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Examines the blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours and has consumed a glucose liquid for two hours. • Random Blood Glucose Test: diabetes symptoms are present, at any time, without fasting. • Haemoglobin A1c Test: Used to monitor blood glucose regulation in diabetic patients. Early detection, proper medication, and doctor consultation can help diabetics lead a normal life. Source: - https://nura.in/cpw/blog-post/?postId=529&catId=19