Diabetes affects the way your body regulates blood sugar or glucose. So what are the different types of Diabetes ?
Dr. Shashank Joshi (Endocrinologist, Chair, IDF, S.E. Asia) explains the four types of Diabetes:-
- Type 1 Diabetes: In Type 1 Diabetes, our antibodies attack and eliminate the beta cells in our pancreas that produce insulin. The cause of Type 1 Diabetes is therefore the process of autoimmune. In this circumstance, the patient requires a lifelong supplement of insulin from an external source. Patients with Type 1 Diabetes need to exercise, eat with caution and constantly replenish their stock of insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Dr. Shashank attributes the cause of Type 2 Diabetes to uncontrolled weight gain around the abdomen. Additionally, the family history of diabetic patients increases the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. To avoid Type 2 Diabetes, the waist circumference for men should be less than 90 cms and 80 cms for women. Additionally, it is important to consume a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and have a stress-free mind. It is also a big risk factor for Heart Diseases/ Heart Attack and High Blood Pressure.
- Gestational Diabetes: This occurs during pregnancy. Often, the mother is fed more than is necessary and the increased food intake stresses the pancreas unable to counter excessive amounts of glucose. It usually occurs around the 20th week of the pregnancy and controlling it calls for a combination of diet, exercise, and insulin.
- Secondary Diabetes: This diabetes is a comparatively rare occurrence. It results from a consequence of other medical conditions such as removal of the pancreas, transplantation, kidney failure, etc. In secondary diabetes, the patient has to take insulin all their life. Additionally, Fibrocalcific Pancreatic Diabetes (found in Kerala) is caused because of excessive consumption of Cassava and lack of protein in the body. It is also known as “Kerala Diabetes” or Tropical Calcific Pancreatic Diabetes. Another cause of Diabetes is due to malnutrition where beta cells get no nutrition or protein. This condition is found mainly in Orissa and is referred to as “Orissa Diabetes”
For further details please watch this video.
