DIABETOLOGY

The types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. It represents of 10% of all cases of diabetes and is one of the most chronic childhood conditions. There is no exact cause for the activation of auto-immune condition but there is a strong family link and cannot be prevented. Symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue and blurred vision. Type 1 diabetes is managed with insulin injections several time a day or the use of insulin pump. While your lifestyle choice didn’t cause type 1 diabetes, the choice you make now can reduce the impact of diabetes-related complications including kidney disease, limb amputation and blindness.

• Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas. It represents the 85% of all cases of diabetes and it is associated with modifiable lifestyle risk factors. Type 2 diabetes also has strong genetic and family related risk factors. Usually type 2 diabetes develops in the adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring in young age groups including children, adolescents and young adults. While there is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes, the condition can be managed through lifestyle modifications and medication. Type 2 diabetes is progressive and needs to be managed effectively to preventive complications.

• Pre-diabetes describes a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, although not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes has no signs or symptoms. People with pre-diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular (heart and circulation) disease. Without sustained lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, increased activity and losing weight, approximately one in three people with pre-diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes. There are two pre-diabetes conditions:
  • • Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)is where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
    • Impaired fasting glucose (IFG)is where blood glucose levels are escalated in the fasting state but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
    • It is possible to have bothImpaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) and Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT).

• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Most women will no longer have diabetes after the baby is born. However, some women will continue to have high blood glucose levels after delivery. It is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy. Women who have risk factors for gestational diabetes should be tested earlier in their pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can often be managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity. However, some women may need medication or insulin injections to help manage gestational diabetes.

We offer 24×7 services for the treatment of diabetes with the help of diabetic nurses, dieticians and other health professionals. We also provide access to the latest technologies including insulin pumps and monitoring.