Diabetes mellitus is one among the most common non communicable diseases that has taken on global epidemic-like proportions. Globally it affects 6% of total population. It is found to be more common among elderly, but even the younger population is now at risk, thanks to the current unhealthy lifestyles. It is an endocrine disorder that develops either due to inability of the pancreas to produce adequate Insulin or the body cannot utilize the insulin appropriately thus accounting for two types namely Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

In Type 1 Diabetes mellitus, the body fails to produce adequate insulin and requires the person to consume insulin for life as per the need, whereas, in Type 2 diabetes, the insulin produced is resisted by the cells. So our body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. Though our body, through it natural healing properties, makes our pancreas produce extra insulin to make up for it, over time, it cannot keep up with the demands of the body, thus building up sugar in the blood. This most often gets unnoticed and undiagnosed for a reasonable period.

Among the first type 2 diabetes symptoms is increased thirst due to excess sugar building up in bloodstream. This causes fluid to be pulled from the tissues. As a result the person drinks more water thus urinating more.

The next symptom will be increased hunger since without enough insulin to move sugar into the cells, the muscles and organs become depleted of energy. This triggers intense hunger. But despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, without the ability to metabolize glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat. Calories are lost as excess glucose is released in the urine. This leads to weight loss and fatigue making the patient tired and irritable.

Over a period of time, this will lead to blurred vision since the high blood sugar will cause the fluid to be pulled from the lenses of the eyes, thus affecting the ability to focus. Type 2 diabetes also affects the ability to heal and resist infections resulting in slow healing sores and frequent infections. Some people may develop patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of their bodies — usually in the armpits and neck. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, may be a sign of insulin resistance and one of the early signs of diabetes in women

People suffering with Type 2 diabetes can maintain their blood sugar with regular exercise and modified dietary pattern initially and later with the consumption of oral hypoglycemic drugs and sometimes with Insulin. The blood sugar need to be controlled because elevated blood sugar would damage the tiny blood vessels of nervous system, eyes, heart or kidney which eventually causes stroke, blindness, heart diseases, nerve damage, most often to the nerves in the feet. This demands that a close supervision is mandatory to prevent early and late complications.

Diabetes increases the risk of numerous serious health problems including cardio vascular disorders, kidney disorders, neurological disorders, foot disorders and so on. However, with prompt treatment and suggested lifestyle practices, people with diabetes can avoid or delay the development of complications.

Author's Bio: 

Mahesh Jayaraman is a health and wellness practitioner. His endeavour is to help people with chronic conditions recover complete health. His multi-pronged practice is time-intensive and he has worked with scores of satisfied clients till date. He has gained a unique perspective of the intricate workings of the bioengineering marvel that is the human body through his 15-plus years of study and training. He uses his knowledge from various modalities of alternative medicine in combination with his understanding of mainstream lab tests and clinical diagnosis technique. He has combined both to develop a holistic method of healing.

He has completed his Certification in Functional Nutrition from Washington State University with the highest grades. He is a certified practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming and Advanced Reflexology. He holds a Diploma in magnet-based acupressure and is a practicing Bach Flower Therapist. He conducts Faster EFT sessions with select clients. He has received Advanced Training in the ancient Indian art of acupressure called “varmam.”

he has co-founded a health advisory called Sepalika which has a unique perspective of looking at chronic diseases.
Dietary supplements, when used properly, at researched dosages, can help support people suffering from a whole array of chronic diseases. Mahesh aims to help people all over the world deal with chronic illness and mitigate the side effects of using prescription medications for the same.