Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood due to insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 Diabetes

The body becomes resistant to insulin, and the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin.

Gestational Diabetes

Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.

Prediabetes

Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

Diagnosis Tests and Results

Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after consuming a sugary drink. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after the drink indicates diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1c Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. A level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Random Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar at any time. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher, along with symptoms of diabetes, indicates the condition.

Symptoms

- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision

- Often no symptoms, detected through routine screening during pregnancy

- Increased thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
- Areas of darkened skin (acanthosis nigricans)

Stages of Diabetes

Prediabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
Early Stage Diabetes: Mild symptoms, easily manageable with lifestyle changes.
Moderate Stage Diabetes: More pronounced symptoms, requiring medication.
Advanced Stage Diabetes: Severe symptoms, complications involving multiple organs, requires intensive treatment.

Impact on the Body Parts

Cardiovascular System: Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension.
Nervous System: Neuropathy (nerve damage), especially in the extremities.
Eyes: Retinopathy, which can lead to blindness.
Kidneys: Nephropathy, potentially leading to kidney failure.
Skin: Increased risk of infections, slow-healing wounds.
Digestive System: Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying).
Reproductive System: Complications in pregnancy, erectile dysfunction.

Consequences of Not Treating

Cardiovascular Disease: Heart attacks, strokes.
Neuropathy: Severe pain, loss of sensation, limb amputation.
Retinopathy: Blindness.
Nephropathy: Kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplant.
Skin Conditions: Severe infections, ulcers.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A life-threatening condition caused by extremely high blood sugar and ketone buildup.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): Severe dehydration and very high blood sugar, potentially fatal.

Ayurveda Treatments

Herbs:

Bitter Melon (Karela): Lowers blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek (Methi): Improves glucose tolerance.
Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar): Reduces sugar absorption.
Neem: Blood purifying properties.
Turmeric (Curcumin): Anti-inflammatory and glucose-lowering effects.

Dietary Recommendations:

Lifestyle Practices:

Ayurvedic Therapies:

Integrating Ayurveda with conventional treatments can offer a holistic approach to managing diabetes. It’s essential to consult healthcare professionals before starting any new treatment regimen.