World Diabetes Day: Weight gain & insulin therapy

Glucose is the main source of energy in the humanbody. It is mainly produced from the digestion of carbohydrate containing food.It is also produced in the body by the liver. Glucose level in blood is very meticulously maintained within a normal range (fasting below 110, post Prandial below 140 mg). This is achieved by the action of the hormone insulin, produced in the body by the pancreas. When the pancreas is destroyed either completely or partially, the blood sugar levels are not maintained within the range leading to glucose accumulation in the blood and its various side-effects. This is known as diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is classified intoType I, Type II and gestational diabetes (diabetes due to pregnancy). Type Idiabetes results from complete destruction of the pancreas (Beta-Cells) causingno insulin production. Type I diabetics more commonly develop acutecomplications like (diabetic ketoacidosis). They are always insulin dependant.Type II diabetes occurs usually in middle aged to older age group.It is characterized by inadequate insulin production and/or insulin resistance.Heredity plays a role in acquiring the disease. However, there is anincrease number of younger age group developing Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Therise is seen in overweight children with little or insufficient physicalactivity. Traditionally, all patients with Type II diabetes, whodevelop complications, (like diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy), need to betreated with insulin. Insulin is the best drug for diabetes mellitus; however,many side-effects are encountered during the insulin treatment.Insulin and weight gain are often closely related. In a diabetic, glucose is not properly utilized and accumulates in the body as fat leading to weight gain. Here are some tips to minimise weight gain during insulin therapy.Include fibres (vegetables, fruits, oats, whole grains, etc) in the diet. Cutdown on extra calories; skip second helpings; drink water instead of carbonatedand high calorie drinks. Doing physical activity/ exercise in daily routine canhelp prevent unwanted weight gain. The more active you are the lower your bloodsugar level ��� and the more calories you'll burn. Do not skipbreakfast. When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down, which promotesweight gain. Visit your doctor regularly; undergo regular medicalcheckups. Take your insulin only as directed. Resist the temptation to skip or shortchangeyour insulin to ward off weight gain. Without enough insulin, your blood sugarlevel will rise ��� and so will your risk of diabetescomplications.