November 14 is observed as the World Diabetes Day. The day will make the first UN-observed World Diabetes Day after the adaptation of the UN resolution on diabetes on December 20, 2006. This year, the programme will be observed with the slogan-- Unite for diabetes. Diabetologist Dr Manjunath Allur and Dr Allur Chandrashekharappa speak to Deccan Herald about diabetes and measures to prevent it.

Deccan Herald: What is diabetes?
Manjunath Allur: Diabetes is a condition in which there is a defect in insulin secretion, insulin action or both that leads to consistent increase in blood sugar levels. Diabetes can be classified into type-1 and type-2. In type-1, the body makes very little or no insulin. In type-2, the body makes some insulin but not enough or the body prevents the insulin you produce from working.
DH: What are the reasons for diabetes?
MA: Food habits, life style, obesity and high consumption of ghee are some of the reasons.
DH: How can diabetes affect person eventually?
MA: It is a progressive disorder because the cells producing insulin keep on decreasing over a period of time leading to worsening of symptoms. When the blood sugar levels remain high, it attacks the tissues in the body forming harmful by-products. These harmful by-products alter the functioning of the cells thus leading to cell damage or death. In the long run, it is associated with damage, dysfunction and failure of many organs like heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels.
DH: Can it be cured by practicing Yoga and pranayama?
MA: Diabetes can not be cured permanently. It can be controlled by practicing Yoga and pranayama. Reports of research in this regard is yet to be made public.
DH: What sorts of treatment exists for diabetes?
MA: Oral tablets, work in two different ways stimulates the cells to produce more insulin to meet requirements of the body or they improve the ability of the body to use insulin better. Tablets, however, will only work till the time your body has the capability to secrete insulin. Once it is decreased or lost, tablets will not be too effective in controlling blood sugar level and insulin has to be started as it is known to give better blood sugar control in patients who have been using tablets, thus preventing complications.
Insulin is a hormone that needs to be injected from outside to meet the daily body requirements . It can’t be taken orally, it is of two types, human insulin and analogues. Analogues are also known as modern insulin as they overcome certain limitations of human insulin.
Modern insulin are available in pens that are simple to use and offer a virtually painless experience. Regular check-up at your healthcare provides to make sure your blood sugar levels are under tight
control is also very important.