Don’t let Diabetes keep you and your loved ones in the dark anymore.

Featured 11th-May-2022

All of us have heard about Diabetes. Many of us have a family member, friend or colleague who has Diabetes. And some of us have Diabetes too.

But how many of us really know about Diabetes, barring the obvious- That it is an illness associated with the body’s sugar levels. It is hereditary. And, that a Diabetic person should avoid eating sweets.

Well, if this is all you know about Diabetes, there's still a long way to go. So, let’s tell you a little more that you should know about this illness, this World Diabetes Day.

So, what is Diabetes:

In short, Diabetes is a chronic disease where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, and at times, none at all.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of Diabetes:

  • Excessive thirst and hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing wounds
  • Nausea
  • Skin infections

 

Now, let’s get back to the common things people know about this illness:

·       You are right that Diabetes is associated with the imbalance of sugar levels in the body.

·       Diabetes is hereditary in most cases, but not always. One can get Diabetes even if it doesn’t run in the family. Similarly, if your parents or close relatives are Diabetic, you don’t necessarily have to get the illness.

·       Diabetics need to control eating sweets/sugar, and not stop it. In fact, at times they need an extra intake of sugar if their sugar levels fall dangerously low.

Now, let’s get down to the lesser-known, but extremely important facts about Diabetes:

·  There are two types of diabetes. Type 1: that doesn't produce insulin at all, Type 2: that doesn't respond to insulin and later doesn't produce it. Of the two types of Diabetes, 90% of Diabetics have Type 2 Diabetes.

·       1 out of 2 people with Diabetes doesn’t know that they have it.

·       4 out of 5 parents don’t realize that their children have Diabetes.

·       50% of Type 2 Diabetes is preventable.

·       Obesity, smoking, and drinking can cause Diabetes. 

·       Diabetes can be life-threatening if left untreated and the treatment can be quite expensive. Make sure you get yourself a Health Insurance Policy. 

But with better awareness about the same, it can, in many ways be prevented by taking the right measures at the right time!

So, if a member of your family has Diabetes, a little help from your end can go a long way. And here’s how:

·       Always encourage them to eat healthy.

·       Encourage them to exercise with you.

·       Ensure that you take them to the doctor for regular check-ups.

·       Keep a check on how they are feeling during the day.

·       Last but not the least, always try to keep them happy and smiling. Always!

Now that you know more about Diabetes, let’s together take a pledge this ‘World Diabetes Day’ to spread awareness about this illness and support all those affected in any way we can!