Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes

Contributed by – Healthians Team

Diabetes is one of the major health threat that plagues the entire world. Did you know that diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the world? With the rise in the number of diabetes cases, it is imperative to understand all aspects related with the disease.

Diabetes is a very common disease, almost part of every household. Diabetes spares no one; big or small. Diabetes is a chronic condition that leads to several other health disorder. Thus, it is really important to understand all about the disease, for better management and prevention. The only way to protect ourselves against diabetes is by knowing our enemy.

Some of the most often asked questions have been jotted down below. Read to prepare yourself better.

Is Diabetes A Lifestyle Disorder?

Yes, diabetes is a major lifestyle disorder that is in most cases the effect of our own poor choices. Obesity, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle act as major triggers in a lot of cases.

Lifestyle diseases are the side-effects of poor lifestyle choices and are linked with the choice of way of life. Diabetes too can be added under the group of lifestyle diseases. Diabetes is of two types:

• Type 1 diabetes– it is an autoimmune disorder and is not related with the lifestyle choices. It is an insulin dependent diabetes and it is a chronic disorder where the pancreas stops producing insulin
• Type 2 diabetes –  Type 2 diabetes is mostly genetic and in most cases develops after the age of 35. Due to our poor lifestyle choices an increasing number of young people are falling prey to this disorder. It is more common in obese and overweight people. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, intake of fatty and oily food, consumption of alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and lack of regular physical activity. So, we can say that the influence of our lifestyle is more in type 2 diabetes

Can Diabetes Be Prevented By Lifestyle Correction?

When people talk about prevention of diabetes, it is usually about preventing type 2 diabetes. In the majority of cases, type 2 diabetes is brought on by lifestyle factors which can often be prevented. These include an unbalanced diet, lack of activity, lack of sleep, stress, smoking and alcohol. By making lifestyles changes, you can decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Those who are pre-diabetic (borderline diabetes), need to focus more on their lifestyle and food choices to make sure that they do not cross the warning line. Approximately, 1 in 3 people with pre-diabetes tend to develop type 2 Diabetes. If no lifestyle changes including healthy eating, increased physical activity and losing weight are initiated, the chances of developing type 2 Diabetes are very high.

People suffering from type 2 diabetes are often advised to make healthy lifestyle modifications to control the blood sugar levels with recommended medications. Healthy dietary choices include:

• Nutritionally balanced diet
• Smarter food choices
• Regular exercise
• Timely and regular intake of medications
• Regular health checkups
• Proper disease and lifestyle management
• Keeping track of blood sugar levels

It is important to make some healthy changes in daily lifestyle to ensure proper management of diabetes.

Which Age Group Suffers Most With Diabetes?

Middle aged and older people are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. The age- group from 35-50 are more susceptible to diabetes. Both the genders are at equal risk of developing this disorder. Diabetes is usually a result of various poor lifestyle choices and other health conditions. Diabetes is also genetic and people with family history of diabetes need to be extremely cautious. It is important to go for regular health checkups and blood tests to keep a track of you sugar levels and stay a step ahead of diabetes.

But, the sad news is that the rate of diabetes incidence among kids and younger people has witnessed a disturbing high. The sudden spike in the number of cases of diabetes among young people is a matter of grave concern and needs immediate attention.

Why Has India Become Bedrock For Lifestyle Related Disorders?

India is the rising diabetes capital of the world, with numbers increasing each day. Urbanization has led to an increasing sedentary lifestyle with long working hours, absolutely no physical activity and unhealthy dietary choices. The combination of all these factors has lead to problems of overweight and obesity. Obesity in itself is an invitation to many more health conditions. Lack of proper sleep is another causing factor.

The modern lifestyle is really demanding and stressful which unfortunately triggers health issues. Overcrowding and bad living conditions also increase stress, leading to coronary heart diseases, asthma and cancers. We will in the digital era where even a minute without our gadgets seem impossible. Hardly anyone has the time to go outdoors and indulge in physical activities. Not just diabetes, we are prone to many lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular, hypertension, asthma and respiratory diseases and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The increasing use of alcohol by both genders and at early age has also lead to a spike in liver diseases.

The best way is to find a balance between things and take out some time out for your health. Everybody deserves to be healthy, all it need is a little work. So, start today.