Are you diabetic?

Whenever I visit a doctor for whatever illness interferes with my daily life. I have noticed be it the dentist or the paediatrician or the ophthalmologist whoever they are, always ask if I am diabetic. Diabetes is a large black thunderstorm frightening us and cutting short lives that we meant to be longer. But majority of the general public is unaware of this. Most people are unaware of doctors called diabtetologist who specialise in the treatment and control of diabetes.

Diabetes is defined as a prolonged increase in the blood glucose levels well beyond the accepted levels. A diabtetologist is an endocrinologist who spspecithes in the hormones that maintain blood sugar. He/she cares for the diabetics and helps them to lead a normal life with the aid of a drugs and a proper diet. On an average diabetes is said to claim a life every minute being second only to cancer and heart disease. There are two major types I and II. Type I or insulin dependent is associated with pancreatic diseases and is mostly autoimmune. The type II or insulin independent occurs due to reduced or no response to the secreted insulin. Type II is more common among the two. 

Increased body fats increases the risk of Diabetes. Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity and a fatty diet just to mention a few. Diabetes alone is quite manageable but with complications like decreased wound healing and cataract the patient suffers greatly. It is a disease that runs through the society and has captured many victims as a result of their own negligence to health. It is a complicated disease with the simple solution of lifestyle changes. So get off your feet, go for a run, gorge on fruits instead of burgers and laugh a lot more, I’m sure we’ll diabetes into extinction with the roar of happiness and health. By- Rashika Subbiah