| Over three thousand years ago, a Greek physician | | | | The latter is classified as Type 2 or Non Insulin |
| named Arateus, first used the word 'Diabetes' | | | | Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM). This occurs |
| meaning to siphon or pass through and described it | | | | much later in adulthood and most of the people |
| as "melting down of flesh and limbs into urine". | | | | suffering from DM fall under this category. Here, the |
| It would interest you to know that right up to the | | | | main problem is reduced insulin sensitivity. |
| eleventh century, diabetes was diagnosed by 'Water | | | | There are certain risk factors associated with |
| Tasters'. They drank the urine of people suspected | | | | Diabetes. |
| to have diabetes. The common belief was that the | | | | Obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol level and |
| urine of a person was apparently suffering from this | | | | polycystic ovary disease (in women) are identified as |
| condition would be sweet tasting. Shocking isn't it? | | | | plausible factors. People with a family history of |
| Diabetes also known as Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic | | | | Diabetes and those over 45 years of age may also |
| disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. | | | | have a predisposition for this condition. |
| Essentially, all the food we eat is broken down into | | | | Frequent urination, increased thirst and increased |
| glucose and then it enters the blood stream. Glucose | | | | hunger are the three tell tale signs of this condition. |
| is the main source of energy for our body cells. | | | | Blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting, frequent |
| Insulin, secreted by pancreas, is the chief hormone | | | | infections, slow healing of wounds and weight loss |
| that regulates blood sugar levels. It is responsible for | | | | are also seen in some people. It's generally seen that |
| uptake of blood glucose by various tissues in the | | | | the onset of symptoms is rather sudden in people |
| body. Now, if for some reason, this uptake does not | | | | suffering from Type I Diabetes while in those having |
| happen, it causes accumulation of glucose in the | | | | Type II, the symptoms develop somewhat gradually. |
| blood where it can cause various problems. This | | | | It is best to be on the lookout for these symptoms |
| condition is known as Diabetes and it affects millions | | | | and get in touch with a physician if you get |
| of people all around the world. | | | | suspicious. The earlier one can get to the diagnosis, |
| So, what all can possibly go wrong? | | | | the better it is from the treatment perspective. |
| One, there could be very little or no insulin production | | | | Do not lose heart if you are diagnosed with diabetes. |
| in the body by the pancreas. | | | | Although, there is no permanent cure, diabetes can |
| Two, the body could be insulin resistant which means | | | | be kept well under control and diabetics can lead a |
| that there would be a defective response of body | | | | normal life with a little help and a few changes in |
| tissues to insulin. | | | | lifestyle. Many patients suffering from diabetes have |
| The former is also classified as Type1 or Insulin | | | | reported to have been leading a healthier lifestyle |
| Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). Its onset is in | | | | after diagnosis by following a healthy diet program |
| childhood or when the body fails to produce insulin | | | | and a regular exercise regimen. |
| since birth. | | | | |