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Diabetes - Causes and Treatment

Diabetes is a health disorder characterized by high level of sugar in the blood. In medical terms diabetes is referred as “Diabetes mellitus”. There are several types of diabetes but it is mostly classified under 3 major heads.

1) Type 1 Diabetes

This type of diabetes usually affects children and teenagers. It is a condition when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. This type of diabetes was earlier known as “Juvenile Diabetes”. It is estimated that 10% of diabetes patient are affected by this type.

2) Type 2 Diabetes

This type of diabetes usually affects adults and obese persons. It is a condition when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin properly. Nearly 90% of diabetes patients are affected by this type of diabetes.

3) Gestational Diabetes

This is temporary diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Women (including the new born) who had this diabetes have greater chance of getting Type 2 Diabetes later in their life.

Causes of Diabetes

Diabetes may be caused due to various factors but most probably due to genetic factors. Person having a history of diabetes in their family is most likely to inherit it. Obese person are at greater risk of being affected by diabetes. Certain virus infections, Smoking and food habits (intake of foods rich in fat) may also lead to diabetes.

Treatment for diabetes

Currently there is no cure for diabetes but lot of treatments is available. Oral medications, use of insulin injections are effective in treating diabetes which controls the sugar level in our blood. Treatments differ based on the type of diabetes, patient’s health condition etc. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are essential to control diabetes. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, biofeedback, herbology etc. are also effective in treating diabetes.