World Diabetes Day, Weight Gains, Insulin Therapy
Glucose is the main source of energy in the human body. It is mainly produced from the digestion of carbohydrate containing food. It is also produced in the body by the liver.
Glucose level in blood is very meticulously maintained within a normal range (fasting below 110, post Prandial below 140 mg). This is achieved by the action of the hormone insulin, produced in the body by the pancreas. When the pancreas is destroyed either completely or partially, the blood sugar levels are not maintained within the range leading to glucose accumulation in the blood and its various side-effects. This is known as diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is classified into Type I, Type II and gestational diabetes (diabetes due to pregnancy). Type I diabetes results from complete destruction of the pancreas (Beta-Cells) causing no insulin production. Type I diabetics more commonly develop acute complications like (diabetic ketoacidosis). They are always insulin dependant. Type II diabetes occurs usually in middle aged to older age group. It is characterized by inadequate insulin production and/or insulin resistance. Heredity plays a role in acquiring the disease.
However, there is an increase number of younger age group developing Type II Diabetes Mellitus. The rise is seen in overweight children with little or insufficient physical activity.
Traditionally, all patients with Type II diabetes, who develop complications, (like diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy), need to be treated with insulin. Insulin is the best drug for diabetes mellitus; however, many side-effects are encountered during the insulin treatment. Insulin and weight gain are often closely related. In a diabetic, glucose is not properly utilized and accumulates in the body as fat leading to weight gain. Here are some tips to minimise weight gain during insulin therapy. Eat healthy: Include fibres (vegetables, fruits, oats, whole grains, etc) in the diet. Cut down on extra calories; skip second helpings; drink water instead of carbonated and high calorie drinks. Be physically active: Doing physical activity/ exercise in daily routine can help prevent unwanted weight gain. The more active you are the lower your blood sugar level — and the more calories you’ll burn. Meals: Do not skip breakfast. When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down, which promotes weight gain. Regular monitoring: Visit your doctor regularly; undergo regular medical checkups. Proper medication: Take your insulin only as directed. Resist the temptation to skip or shortchange your insulin to ward off weight gain. Without enough insulin, your blood sugar level will rise — and so will your risk of diabetes complications. (indiatimes.com)
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. This year sees the first of a five-year campaign that will address the growing need for diabetes education and prevention programmes. (www.worlddiabetesday.org)
