Diabetes is the condition in which the glucose level in the blood goes above the normal limit. It falls under metabolic disorder. Generally diabetes refers to diabetes mellitus and not the diabetes insipidus, which is rarely seen. Glucose is the main fuel for our body and body cells require this important element to work properly.

Glucose comes naturally with the foods that contain carbohydrate. Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas, the organ that is responsible for producing insulin is either unable to make insulin or the insulin produced by the gland is not properly used by the body cells. Whatever the cause, the result is glucose remains in the bloodstream and is not utilized by any of the body cells. The insulin is the key that is used by the cells to consume the glucose present in the blood. In diabetes, the insulin is of no use or the insulin is not produced in the wanted quantity so that the glucose remains in blood (high blood sugar) and creates condition called as diabetes mellitus.

There are mainly two types of diabetes.

Type One (called as IDDM – insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) and Type Two (NIDDM – noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus). Type one usually occurs in people, who are under thirty years of age but as rare case, can occur at any age. Type one diabetes is seen approximately 15% of people with diabetes. Here, the pancreas cannot produce the insulin and therefore, these patients need to depend on insulin that is supplied from outside. 

On the other hand, Type two diabetes affects nearly about 85% of the people with diabetes and that makes it more common among all. The condition occurs when insulin is produced but not in an adequate amount. The production is not totally stopped and therefore, body does not need extra insulin supplements from outside. There are drugs called as OHD – oral hypoglycemic drug that an control the blood sugar in the body. The patient has to take these pills without fail to keep the blood sugar levels in control.

The people who are obese are susceptible to have diabetes. Moreover, the people with diabetes are at higher risk if they have below mentioned conditions –

1. High blood pressure
2. Heart Disease
3. Obese, overweight
4. Above 50 years of age
5. Have hereditary problem (family history of diabetes)
6. People with sedentary work
7. People who are lazy, sluggish and retired from work
8. Who eat or fond of sweets or any sugary item

The symptoms for diabetes includes…

1. Increased thirst (polydypsia)
2. Increased urination (frequency of urination increases)
3. Numbness all over the body especially fingers and toes
4. Delayed healing of wounds (a typical sign of diabetes)
5. Excessive sweating
6. Tired, lethargic and dull feelings

The management includes either insulin injections (for Type I) or OHD (for Type II). Along with these medications, strict diet, exercises and lifestyle changes are to be followed. Diabetes is to be controlled as the complications can create hazardous conditions and can target vital organs like kidney, eyes or heart.