Diabetes
The Disease
Scientific Diagnostic Centre has always believed in the power of collective efforts. Our team is a testimony of that. We attribute our success to every small and big effort by our team of Pathologists, Skilled Technicians, Home Visit Phlebotomists, Radiologist,Eye Specialist and Physicians. Mr. Aditya Sarabhai, Chairman of Scientific DiagnosticCentre, manages the day-to- day operations. Mrs. Namita Shah, director, oversees strategy and vision.
There are two major types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes
insulin-dependent
Type 2 diabetes
non-insulin dependent
The Cause
The actual cause of diabetes is still unknown but it is believed that a person’s genetics, diet, lack of exercise and physical activity and obesity might play a role in developing diabetes (Type 2).
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin – a hormone which aids the digestion and subsequent conversion of Glucose into energy by our cells. In case of little or no production/ utilization of insulin, the blood Glucose level increases beyond normal and causes diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes and juvenile diabetes mostly occurs in children or teens. The pancreas stops producing insulin due the destruction of pancreatic cells. Around 5-10 percent of diabetics suffer from this.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes and adult-onset diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the cells are unable to use the insulin properly. This insulin resistance results in elevated levels of sugar in the bloodstream. 90-95 percent cases of diabetes suffer from Type 2 Diabetes, mostly diagnosed after the age of 45 years.
Symptoms
The telling signs of Diabetes are:
- High sugar level in blood and urine
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Blurry vision
- Unusual weight loss
- Increased tiredness and weakness
- Mood swings
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Testing
At SDC, we are fully equipped to determine whether you are suffering from diabetes and if yes, then at which stage. Early detection makes it easier to control the disease and that’s exactly what we do to help our patients live a healthy and happy life.
An eye doctor or foot doctor can reveal the symptoms of diabetes by normal diagnosis. For confirmation, following tests are carried out:
Blood Sugar Test (Fasting) – Blood is drawn and tested after 8 hours of fasting, usually overnight. Normal non-diabetic range for blood glucose is 70-110 mg/dl which rises to over 140 mg/dl in case of diabetes.
PPBS (Postprandial Glucose Test) – This test is carried out after the patient has his meal and determines the amount of glucose in the blood after the meal.
Lipid Profile Test – A simple blood test measures the levels of lipids including cholesterol and triglycerides.
Creatinine Test – Measures the level of creatinine in the blood, thereby indicating if the kidneys are working properly. A creatinine test once a year is all it takes to stay alert.
Hba1C – This test measures the levels of glycerated hemoglobin and gives an overall picture explaining the average blood sugar levels.
Urine Test – Urine Test measures the presence of protein in the urine which indicates kidney damage.
Remedies
While diabetes usually lasts a lifetime, there are ways through which it can be kept in check.
In case of Type 1 Diabetes, regular insulin injections along with special diet and exercise are advised.
In case of Type 2 Diabetes, tablets, exercise, a special diet and sometimes insulin injections are required to keep it under control.