What is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus? Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, or in short GDM, can be defined as glucose intolerance of varying severity during pregnancy. It starts or is recognized for the first time only during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs from the inability of the liver, muscle and fat tissues to absorb glucose from the bloodstream due to lack of the hormone insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates energy and glucose metabolism in the body. It helps the tissues to absorb glucose from the blood and store it in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscle. Failure of insulin control results in diabetes mellitus during normal times. But if it’s recognized concurrently with pregnancy then it’s termed as gestational diabetes mellitus. The expecting mother experiences high blood glucose levels. This situation, in some cases, continues even after pregnancy. According to the American Diabetes Association, gestational diabetes affects approximately four percent of pregnant women. Gestational diabetes Causes Gestational diabetes occurs due to lack of insulin as it prevents the absorption of carbohydrates in the form of glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar present in food. The body utilizes glucose to produce energy. Glucose is converted to glycogen and stored in the liver, muscles and fatty tissues. To allow glucose [...]

Insulin is a hormone that is formed by the beta cells found in the pancreas. Insulin is released in small quantities after every meal for transportation of glucose into the cells of the body, where it performs the essential function of production of energy by metabolism of sugars and starches, fats and proteins. What Is Insulin Resistance Insulin resistance is a condition in which the cells of the body have decreased ability to respond to the effects of insulin. As a result the body produces higher levels of insulin and this results in a condition termed as ‘hyperinsulinemia’ in the blood and some of the tissues of the body, which were insulin sensitive, become over-stimulated. Arbitrarily, insulin resistance has been defined as the requirement of 200 units or more insulin per day to achieve the right level of glycemic control and so as to prevent ketosis. Insulin Resistance Causes The causes of insulin resistance are not yet very clear. It may be due to genetic factors or may develop as a result of some medication. It is also caused by body tissue inflammation, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperglycemia, impaired fibrinolysis, hypertension, increased cytokine levels, etc. The main causes are listed below: A high-carbohydrate diet, which includes high intake [...]

Diabetes affects every organ of the body. Without treatment, diabetes complications lead to death. Scientists have discovered a genetic predisposition to diabetes that is also linked to other diseases, adding to the toll diabetes takes on individual, family, and economic health. Long term diabetes complications are preventable by maintaining an active lifestyle, adhering to prescribed medications and eating the proper foods that control blood glucose levels. Long term Diabetes Complications Cardiovascular disease Diabetes puts individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. The effects of high blood sugar levels and accompanying inflammation that occurs inside the blood vessels walls is also thought to promote heart attack and stroke. People with diabetes who suffer heart attack are also at increased risk for a second that that is also more likely to lead to death. Heart failure occurs from damage to the heart muscle and is also a cardiovascular complication of diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), “If you have diabetes, you are at least twice as likely as someone who does not have diabetes to have heart disease or a stroke. People with diabetes also tend to develop heart disease or have strokes at an earlier age than other people. If you are middle-aged and have type 2 diabetes, some [...]

Type 1 diabetes treatment has no cure and requires taking insulin throughout life by way of injection that includes syringes, insulin pumps or pre-filled pens. The disease primarily affects young people and results in a lifetime of special care. Treatment is essential to sustain life. Without treatment of type 1 diabetes coma and death can occur. Insulin Insulin is injected under the skin to treat type 1 diabetes. Without insulin, levels of glucose rise in the body producing symptoms that can lead to coma and death. Undiagnosed type 1 diabetes, not currently being treated, results in the need for medical care from symptoms. Insulin pumps and injection directly into the subcutaneous fat are the only ways for the body to get the insulin needed to maintain homeostasis. Pens Insulin pens are prefilled and especially useful for individuals with poor eyesight or who have difficulty with hand eye coordination. Pens allow type 1 diabetics to “dial” the dose which is displayed in the window of the pen. Pumps Insulin pumps deliver a preset amount of medication over a 24 hour period, calculated according to individual needs. Some pumps monitor blood sugar levels throughout the day, delivering insulin according to blood sugar level readings that are monitored by a computer. The type [...]

Diabetes mellitus type 1 is also called type 1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes. It is a type of diabetes caused by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Lack of insulin production, that regulates blood sugar in the body, leads to increased levels of glucose in the blood and urine. Type 1 diabetes develops in children and young adults but it can be diagnosed at any age. It is equally distributed among males and females. The cause of type 1diabetes is complex and not fully known Beta cell destruction is believed to be the result of immune dysfunction. Individuals with type 1 diabetes have an inherited or genetic predisposition to the disease that may be triggered by a virus or chemical. Beta cell destruction happens as the body’s white blood cells that fight infection mistakenly attack the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes are frequent urination and increased thirst and hunger. Some individuals show no signs or symptoms of diabetes until medical care is needed. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes occur when blood sugar levels are too high. Signs of high blood sugar include fatigue, involuntary weight loss, blurred vision and dehydration. Sudden onset of deep and [...]