Diabetes Clinic

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycaemia, the presence of high glucose level in the blood. The level of glucose in the blood is regulated by insulin hormone. Impaired production, action or both of insulin increases glucose level in the blood leading to hyperglycaemia and uncontrolled hyperglycaemia damages various organ systems of the body including cardiovascular system, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. Thus timely detection and management of blood glucose level to normal is crucial to prevent long term serious complications of diabetes.

Diabetes is classified into four types based on the cause or treatment approaches,

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Secondary diabetes

Type-1 Diabetes

Diabetes in children less than 10 years of age is usually type-1. Type-1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas by the impaired immune response. Early symptoms include:

• constant hunger
• weight loss
• blurred vision
• increased thirst and urination
• feeling tired

As the diabetes progresses the child may complaint of stomach pain, vomiting and frequent urination.

The management of type-1 diabetes includes giving insulin by either injection or through insulin pump, nutrition management and physical activity.

Type- 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops because of lack of sensitivity of the receptors to insulin. Receptors are the transport system that enables insulin to enter the cells and metabolise the carbohydrates stored in the cells. Because of loss of sensitivity to insulin, although sufficient amount of insulin is available, the receptors fail to allow the insulin into the body cells thereby inhibit the breakdown of carbohydrates in the cells and cause hyperglycaemia.

Type 2 diabetes was more common in adults however in the current scenario incidence of obesity is increasing in the children so is the incidence of Type-2 diabetes. It is increasingly diagnosed these days in children aged 10 years or older. The symptoms of type-2 diabetes are same as that of type-1 diabetes and in certain cases the child may not show any symptoms at all. Important aspect of diabetes management is lifestyle changes that include diet modification, increased/moderate physical activity and medical treatment. Medical treatment includes medications to lower the glucose known as oral hypoglycaemic agents and/or insulin therapy. Regular monitoring of blood glucose is necessary to prevent long term complications of the disease.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes seen in women only during pregnancy but not had earlier. Pregnant women develop this form of diabetes because of hormonal changes seen during pregnancy. These hormonal changes alter the insulin activity leading to hyperglycaemia finally causes diabetes. Gestation diabetes may subside after the delivery of child however the condition may put some women at risk of developing diabetes in future. Treatment options include oral hypoglycaemic agents, insulin therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Secondary Diabetes

Secondary diabetes is the condition caused as secondary effect of certain disease conditions such as pancreatic disease, hormonal disorders, adverse effects of drugs, insulin receptor abnormalities, and some of the genetic disorders. The treatment options include same as other forms of diabetes.