Diabetes

Diabetes is a set of metabolic diseases which are distinguished by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is caused by the deficiency of insulin secretion or its action. It is also known as Diabetes Mellitus.

Normally, blood glucose levels are strongly controlled by insulin. It is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. When the blood glucose level rises, insulin is discharged from the pancreas in order to balance the glucose level. The absence or inadequate production of insulin causes hyperglycaemia inside diabetic patients.

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition even though it can be controlled or can last for lifetime.

Some of the major symptoms of diabetes include increased blood glucose levels, dehydration, weight loss, blurred vision, fatigue, nausea and loss of glucose in urine.

Diabetes can be diagnosed by performing fasting blood glucose (sugar) test. The test is convenient and simple to execute. After the overnight fasting of the patient (at least 8 hours), a single blood sample is taken and sent to the laboratory for diagnosis. Alternatively, it can be accurately measured inside a doctor’s clinic with the help of a glucose meter.