India is home to one of the largest diabetic populations. In fact, it is also called the diabetic capital of the world. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to handle glucose for its energy requirements. It often results from defective insulin secretion, insulin action or both. 

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is not a single disease entity, but a group of metabolic disorders sharing the common underlying feature of hyperglycemia. The chronic hyperglycemia is associated with complications such as dysfunction of organs including heart and blood vessels, eyes and kidneys. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious consequences to every part of the body if not looked into properly.

What are the types of diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus can be divided into two parts, based on how they are treated/managed. 

Type 1 Diabetes: It is an autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from making insulin. As we know, insulin helps blood sugar enter the cells in your body for use as energy, and without insulin, blood sugar can't get into cells and builds up in the bloodstream. This form of diabetes is most commonly found among patients.

Type 2 Diabetes: In this case, the body does not use insulin properly. This condition is known as insulin resistance. At first, the pancreas produces extra insulin to compensate, but over time, it fails to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. This type is more common in India, affecting people above 40 years of age. However, the good part is that it could be managed with diet and other lifestyle changes. However, some patients may require insulin later in life. 

Gestational diabetes: This form of diabetes develops during pregnancy. It occurs when the hormones from the placenta block the ability to use or make insulin. The screening usually happens between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Symptoms

Some of the very common symptoms that indicate that you may have diabetes include: 

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Excessive thirst and dry mouth
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling unusually tired or weak