Some facts:
In common language - it's a disease with abnormally high blood sugar level. More accurately Diabetes is a condition of inadequate Insulin production or it’s ineffectiveness on Insulin receptors leading to failure of Glucose storage. Because glucose is not properly stored, it stays in the blood and results in high blood sugar level.
3.7 million deaths occur due to diabetes and high blood sugar level every year.
Diabetes mellitus is about to become 7th leading cause of death in the world, 1st is still Cardiovascular disease (Heart disease). What's scary is that Diabetes can eventually give rise to Heart disease.
If ignored Diabetes can cause blindness, kidney failure, heart attack and lower limb amputation, eventually death.
What is normal and what is abnormal sugar level:
According to ADA Guidelines following are respective levels of blood sugar :-
Fasting blood sugar (Empty stomach)-
Normal – <100 mg/dl
IGT– 100 – 125 mg/dl
Diabetes Mellitus – >126 mg/dl
2-hour Postprandial blood sugar (After meal)-
Normal – <140 mg/dl
IGT – 140 – 200 mg/dl
Diabetes Mellitus – >200 mg/dl
(IGT- Impaired Glucose Tolerance)
Types of Diabetes mellitus:
Diabetes has three major types -
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
Among all three, type 2 DM is most common. CDC data says 90% — 95% of all diagnosed diabetes cases are Type 2 DM. Apart from some genetic involvement, major cause of type 2 DM is Obesity. Its important to note that sugar does not cause diabetes, obesity does. Though excessive sugar consumption can cause over weight, which can be a problem in future if not controlled. So best way to avoid or control diabetes is through Exercise, Healthy and active lifestyle along with Healthy food.
This small article was an attempt to spread awareness about Diabetes. If you want to read more about it, please visit here - http://healthblogpost.com/all-about-diabetes-mellitus/
Stay Informed, Stay Healthy.
Thank You!
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3154446/
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/
http://www.diabetes.org/
http://healthblogpost.com
Image credit - WHO
http://www.who.int/entity/diabetes/global-report/WHD2016_Diabetes_Infographic_v2.pdf?ua=1