• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 175 million people throughout the world have diabetes. This is projected to go up to 366 million by the year 2030.

• India has the highest number of people affected by diabetes with 32 million affected in 2000 and the projected figure for 2030 is 80 million.

• Of these, 90 to 95% have Type 2 diabetes, and 5-10% have Type 1 diabetes

• It is reported that in urban areas, 12% of the adult population suffers from diabetes, compared to 6% in USA and the UK.

• Strangely, from India’s vast rural population (comprising 70% of the 1 billion population), a mere 2-3% suffer from diabetes.

• The IGT incidence among urban Indian population is as high as diabetes, or higher.

• 14% of India’s urban population has been found suffering from IGT.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where in human body stops producing or fails to properly utilise insulin, a hormone that is required to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by constant high levels of blood glucose (sugar). The human body has to maintain the blood glucose level at a very narrow range, which is done with the help of insulin and glucagon. The function of glucagon is to release glucose from the liver to the blood stream so that, it can be transported to body tissues and cells for the production of energy.

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes

• Type 2 diabetes

• Gestational diabetes

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes impede a person life prominently. When breakdown of glucose is stopped completely, body uses fat and protein for producing the energy. Due to this mechanism symptoms like polydipsia, polyuria, polyphegia, and excessive weight loss can be observed in diabetics. Desired blood sugar of human body should be maintained between 70 mg/dl -110 mg/dl at fasting state.

If blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dl, it is termed as hypoglycemia and if more than 110 mg /dl, it’s hyperglycemia.

Diabetes is the primary reason for adult blindness, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), gangrene and amputations. Overweight, lack of exercise, family history and stress increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. When blood sugar level is constantly high it leads to kidney failure, cardiovascular problems and neuropathy. Patients with diabetes are 4 times more likely to have coronary heart disease and stroke. In addition, Gestational diabetes is more dangerous for pregnant women and their fetus.

The effects of diabetes mellitus include long-term damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

Diabetology is the clinical science of diabetes mellitus, its diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Apart from regulating medication (e.g. insulin) dosage and timing, a diabetologist will also concern himself with the potential consequences of diabetes, e.g. retinopathy, nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy.

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