Archive for the ‘Diabetes’ Category
What are the Causes of Type 1 Diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes, the body’s defence system misinterprets the insulin producing cells of the pancreas as foreign invader and starts destroying them. This is known as autoimmune response. Some of the factors that may be responsible for this behaviour of defence system are: Genetics: Diabetics who inherit certain genes are more at risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
Complications in diabetes
Diabetes is not curable Neither Type 1 (juvenile onset) diabetes nor Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes is curable. We can only control the blood glucose with lifestyle changes and drugs. However some patients, especially those who do not have any symptoms, stop treatment after some time, assuming that their diabetes is cured. These patients later present with complications of diabetes.
BMI and Insulin Resistance
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)? It is the ratio of weight in kg to square of height in meters. It is used for assessment of ideal weight. BMI = Weight in kg /Height in metres2 Good: 20 – 23 Fair: 23 – 25 Poor: > 25 What is Insulin Resistance? Insulin resistance is a condition in which, insulin produces less than normal response in the cells. This reduces glucose entry into the tissues. Insulin resistance is harmful as it leads to enhanced atherosclerosis, hypertension...
Common Questions About Type 1 Diabetes Risk Factors
Obesity appears to be the most important factor for development of type 2diabetes. Obesity is defined as weighing more than 20 per cent of the desirable body weight due to accumulation of fat. Increased body fat promotes insulin resistance. There is also a link between type 2 diabetes and the part of the body where fat gets accumulated. People having excess fat above the hips (Central obesity) have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with excess fat on the hips and thighs.