What is Diabetes with Dr Hemi Soneja

"Zara si sugar hai doctor Saab!" Diabetes Specialist Doctors often hear from patients even when they are on multiple medications to help control their diabetes. As you probably know, diabetes is a condition in which there is higher than normal blood sugar level in the body. The basic problem underlying that is either decreased insulin production (the only glucose-lowering hormone in the body released from the pancreas) or reduced insulin effectiveness, in other words - increased insulin resistance. Or there could be a combination of both decreased insulin production and increased insulin resistance.

Diabetes can be of different types as follows:

1. Type 1 Diabetes - There is decreased insulin production in the body resulting in high blood sugar levels. It is typically seen in younger individuals. People who have type 1 Diabetes are Insulin dependent - which means that they are entirely dependent on insulin for their lifetime to help maintain normal blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of complications in future. Oral medications alone are not effective for these people.
2. Type 2 Diabetes - According to “Obesity doctors in Delhi” This is the one which we commonly see in grown-up individuals. However, now with increasing problems with Obesity, we see it in younger individuals and children as well. Here, initially, there tends to be more of an issue with increased insulin resistance, and over some time, there tends to be decreased insulin production. People respond well to oral medications initially, but as insulin production goes down, they will start needing insulin injections. Sometimes they are required for only some periods whereas other people might need it long term also.
3. Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-related diabetes - “Diabetologists in Delhi” say now, as the problems with diabetes are increasing overall, we are seeing increasing issues with raised blood sugar levels in women during pregnancy. It is called Gestational Diabetes. If there is an underlying problem with either insulin production or the body's insulin sensitivity, the blood sugar levels can increase in pregnancy. These typically settle down to normal levels soon after delivery, but these women are more at risk of developing diabetes in future. The goal for your blood sugar level in pregnancy is different from what it is when you are not pregnant. Gestational Diabetes can affect the baby's growth and also cause complications during delivery and neonatal problems. It also increases the risk of sudden intrauterine death. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that these levels be maintained at normal levels during pregnancy.
4. Medication induced Diabetes - certain specific medications, especially steroids, can cause you to have issues with diabetes over the long term. That is why it is always recommended to consult your doctor about ow to manage sugar levels while on steroids.
5. Others - certain other types of diabetes have overlapping symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 Diabetes.Learn more with experienced “Endocrinologist in Delhi”