When Indians think of diabetes, it is too often associated with old age, lack of exercise or poor dietary habits. It is commonly seen as disease of negligence and its treatment an inconvenience. What people most often fail to recognize, is that diabetes has its subtypes and can affect a broad spectrum of individuals with varying degrees of severity.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is by far the most common type to affect the general Indian population Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. Symptoms may also include increased hunger, feeling tired, and sores that do not heal. Often symptoms come on slowly, with proper management and relatively long period of time for detection, disease management can yield great results. Most people can live a relatively normal lifestyle keeping in mind medication, dietary considerations and moderate exercise. However, Diabetes happens to have a diabolical cousin, that isn’t that well understood
It’s called Type 1 Diabetes and here is why you should be concerned, diabetic or not.
Type 1 primarily affects children and young adults. And since children are unaware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, they are more likely to suffer from it undiagnosed leading to serious long term health complications
Further, while type 2 Diabetes involves insulin resistance, Type 1 is characterized by the body’s inability to produce it at all. To put it simply, Glucose feeds the body’s cells but to get to the cells it needs an access card and that access card is insulin. In Type 2 patients this access card is faulty, whereas Type 1 patients have no access card whatsoever. Taking insulin via injections or through Insulin pump is the only way to deal with Type 1 diabetes.
However, educating oneself about the disease, especially parents, when it comes to Type 1 is a great way to ensure early detection. Making early lifestyle changes and administering external insulin in the advanced stages, can lead to a fuller and normal life. Especially if you are ready to educate yourself about the disease, it’s risks and management.
Yes, there is a lot of information out there but where does one start?
“Medtronic presents Diabetes Nation, Call for Action!” is one such platform that brings together the leading doctors from across the country together with policymakers and technology leaders in patient care. Its sole purpose is to educate and raise awareness about Type 1 Diabetes in India. The series will reflect on effective prevention measures, medication and lifestyle modifications that play a vital role in diabetes management.
So be sure to tune into CNN-News18 at 11:30 am 17th February.
For more information on managing your diabetes, you can call the toll free number: 1800-209-6777 or click here.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article and News18 doesn't hold any responsibility for the content
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