Today the 14th November is a very significant date in the diabetes calendar. It is observed as “World Diabetes Day” which marks the birthday of Fredrick Banting who co-discovered INSULIN in the year 1922 with Charles Best. This day is celebrated to bring awareness about diabetes globally. It is estimated that about 415 million people are diabetics in the world and India is known as it’s capitol, contributing around 72.96 million. Roughly 1 in 11 persons are suffering from this metabolic disorder and about 46% of them are undiagnosed. That is the magnitude of the problem.
But now the scenario has changed for the better, from no hopes to full of hopes. Researches and Trials have revolutionised the treatment strategy. Best quality insulins know as synthetic insulins are available now in various forms depending upon the need from short to long acting and a mix of the two. Most recent once a week injection (GLP 1 RA) is showing good results. Newer oral medications are showing remarkable efficacy in controlling the sugar levels, they act by various mechanisms, some by pushing existing insulin in the blood stream, some by blocking the absorption of sugar from intestine and kidneys, some by stimulating the proportionate release of insulin depending upon the load of food in the stomach and some by promoting utilisation of sugar in the muscles. Among all Metformin the most popular drug known to almost all diabetics has proved the test of time and is used over the decades with almost all anti-diabetic medications except in Type-1 diabetes. Metabolic surgeries also known as Bariatric surgeries are recent addition in the management of diabetes, it prevents consumption of food itself by varieties of surgical interventions.
Apart from these there are very important basic principles to be practiced by diabetics to keep the disease at bay. They are regular exercise like brisk-walking, cycling, swimming, gardening and weight bearing exercises. They should avoid sedentary lifestyle and binge eating. Consuming unhealthy or junk foods should also be avoided. Consuming sugar rich aerated soft drinks like limcas, fantas and colas, should be totally avoided. Sticking to smartphones or TVs for hours together should also be avoided as well. These are the basics of controlling diabetes, anti-diabetic drugs whether orals or injectables come into play when regular exercise and diet restrictions are not strictly followed or insufficient to control diabetes.
There are many do’s and don’ts and among them discipline is the foremost. If it is not strictly observed, damages to various organs like heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, nerves and gangrene are certainties, affecting the quality of life.
So be beware and be disciplined. Remission is possible, but that depends upon your attitudes, follow your doctor’s advice strictly, for a healthy living.