Consider the following statements regarding diabetes: 1. It is caused by the over secretion of insulin by pancreas. 2. The glucose level increases in the blood. 3. The patient urinates frequently, loses weight and becomes lethargic. How many of the statements given above are correct?

• Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood, either because the body does not produce enough insulin or because cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect and 2 is correct.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It typically develops in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy.
• Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. It is often associated with obesity, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle.
• Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. However, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Pre-diabetes: A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. It indicates a higher risk of developing diabetes.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of wounds, and unexplained weight loss (especially in Type 1 diabetes). Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• Global and Indian Context: Diabetes is a global epidemic, with the number of cases rising rapidly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. India is often referred to as the "Diabetes Capital of the World" due to its large diabetic population. The prevalence of diabetes in India is driven by rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes.