Type I Diabetes

Type I diabetes is generally regarded as a type of autoimmune disorder in which the beta cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for the production of insulin, get destroyed.

The condition is usually seen below 40 years of age and as it often begins in childhood, it is also called as juvenile or childhood diabetes. Around 10% of all diabetes cases are of type I diabetes.

Unlike type II diabetes, it is not a lifestyle disease. Type I diabetes cannot be prevented and most of the patients are of a normal weight when the disease onsets.

A C-peptide assay can differentiate between type I and type II diabetes. As insulin from exogenous source does not contain C-peptide, its absence indicated type I diabetes.

Gestational diabetes

This type of diabetes is encountered during pregnancy when, due to some hormonal and metabolic changes, the amount of glucose present in the blood becomes abnormally high. The body is unable to produce sufficient insulin to transport all this glucose into the cells. Therefore, the blood glucose levels remain high.

Most of the cases of gestational diabetes respond well to diet control and exercise. However, in 1 to 20% of cases, medication is required. Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can give rise to the delivery of a large baby and other complications.

Complications arising out of poorly controlled diabetes

Persistently high blood glucose can affect almost all the organs of the body adversely. Some of the complications include:

• Eye complications: These include development of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract

• Skin complications: Increased susceptibility to skin infections

• Foot complications: Development of foot ulcers, neuropathy and gangrene

• Hypertension: It is common in patients suffering from diabetes and may increase the risk of stroke and other complications

• Psychiatric problems: Uncontrolled diabetes can give rise to depression and anxiety

• Ketoacidosis: When the blood sugar is too high, ketone bodies accumulate in the body along with severe acidosis

• Neuropathy: diabetes affects the nerves all over the body leading to neuropathy

• Nephropathy: diabetes can give rise to many kidney diseases

• Erectile dysfunction: Uncontrolled diabetes is the reason behind erectile dysfunction in many men

• Infections: Besides the above mentioned complications, blood rich in glucose as seen in diabetes is a fertile breeding ground for many pathogens. This is turn can give rise to all sorts of infections.

Taking into consideration, the innumerable problems related to diabetes, it is necessary to improve our lifestyle, exercise regularly and eat healthy in order to prevent diabetes. It is equally important for patients suffering from diabetes to take their medicines regularly so as to keep their blood sugar in check.