Important Things to know about Diabetes

1. Diabetes ‘The Silent Epidemic’ PlacidWay Packages PlacidWay +1.303.500.3821 info@placidway.com

2. What is Diabetes? Diabetes, also known as the ‘silent epidemic’, is a chronic condition which occurs whenthe body is incapable of effectively producing enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which transfers glucose from food to the cells in the body, where it is transformed into energy needed by tissues and muscles to function properly. The body of a person suffering from diabetes cannot absorb glucose properly. Therefore, glucose remains in the blood and damages tissues over time, a process called hyperglycemia, which eventually leads to life-threatening health complications. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is spreading around the world at an alarming speed. Annually,3.2 million diabetes-related deaths are reported in the world, a number close to that of AIDS-related deaths. This means that 8,700 people die of diabetes each day, or 6 people per minute. In the past, diabetes was known as a genetic disease, but over the past decades other causes have developed, making the disease mainly a lifestyle-related one. A sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet and increasing obesity trends all lead to diabetes, affecting young and old. The worst affected regions in the world are the Middle East, South and South East Asia, and parts of Northern Africa. India and China are two countries with the largest number of diabetics.

3. Causes of Diabetes Genetic Sedentary lifestyle Unhealthy diet Obesity High cholesterol Use of certain medications Causes and Symptoms of Diabetes • Symptoms of Diabetes • Frequent urination • Excessive thirst • Blurred vision • Recurrent infections • Extreme tiredness • Lack of energy • Sudden weight loss

4. Types of Diabetes There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM. Type 1 Diabetes This type of diabetes is caused by an auto-immune reaction, which means that the body’s own defense mechanism attacks cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. Therefore, the body no longer produces necessary insulin. It is not clear what causes type 1 diabetes, which affects especially children and young adults. Type 1 diabetics need insulin injections every day to control the level of glucose in their blood, without which they would die. They can lead a normal life only with the daily insulin injections, a healthy diet, close monitoring and regular physical exercise. Type 1 diabetes develops suddenly. Characteristic symptoms include: blurred vision, recurrent infections, sudden weight loss, slow-healing wounds, constant hunger, abnormal thirst and dry mouth, extreme tiredness or lack of energy and frequent urination. Type 2 Diabetes This is the most common type of this disease, and although it usually occurs in adults, over recent years, it has been seen in children and adolescents. As opposed to type 1 diabetes, in this type of the disease the body produces insulin, but not enough, or the body does not respond to its effects, resulting in a build-up of glucose in the blood. It might take years until the symptoms are recognized or visible, a period during which the body is continuously damaged by excess blood glucose. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are: ethnicity, increasing age, poor diet, physical inactivity, poor nutrition during pregnancy, and family history of diabetes or obesity. People with type 2 diabetes do not need daily insulin injections, but insulin may be prescribed orally, in addition to increased physical activity and a healthy diet. The number of people suffering of type 2 diabetes has continuously increased, and some of the factors blamed for this are dietary changes, ageing populations, increasing urbanization, economic development, changes in lifestyles and reduced physical activity. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Pregnant women may be diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. This means that the body is not capable of producing or using enough insulin necessary for the pregnancy. The disease usually develops later in pregnancy. Therefore, the risk to the baby is lower if the mother is diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Women with GDM have to control the level of glucose in the blood through a healthy diet, but also insulin and oral medication. GDM usually disappears after birth, but unfortunately, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy is high for the mothers, as well as for the children born to mothers with GDM. The high level of glucose in blood can lead to several diseases which affect the blood vessels and heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. This means that diabetics have a higher risk of developing serious health problems as well as infections. Without adequate monitoring, diabetes may lead to blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure or even lower limb amputation.

5. Diabetes Treatment Options Although diabetes is a chronic condition, it can be controlled through a healthy diet, exercise programs and the necessary treatments. Stem Cell Therapy One of the possible treatments for diabetes mellitus is stem cell transplants and treatments, which have shown positive results in type 2 diabetes, such as lower blood sugar levels and even the complete reversal of the diabetic process. Research facilities are continuing to develop stem cell replacement therapy to restore normal insulin function. Stem cell therapy uses embryonic or fetal stem cells to find cures and treatments for various diseases such as diabetes, cancer, blood diseases and many more. Laparoscopic Metabolic Surgery Using laparoscopic metabolic surgery techniques, the surgeon removes part of the stomach and also rearranges the small bowel, leading to changes in the gut hormones that control the production and release of insulin. Studies show that this surgery cures type 2 diabetes by reducing ghrelin (a hormone that increases appetite), weight loss and increasing the action of incretins (hormones that increase insulin secretion). The price for this surgery is quite high due to the advanced vessel-sealing technology and the use of staplers. However, due to the success of this procedure, the costs should be seen as an investment for a healthier and longer life. Ayurvedic Treatments Ayurvedic treatment is considered an unconventional, natural medicine approach, which has seen an increased popularity over past years. Ayurvedic medicine has its roots in India, where it appeared thousands of years ago, based on the belief that many illnesses can be treated and prevented though a blend of spirit, body and mind. The Ayurvedic approach can sooth symptoms of chronic diseases including asthma, arthritis, various form of cancers and even diabetes.

6. Affordable Packages for Diabetes Affordable Packages for Diabetes Numerous clinics and hospitals around the world offer various types of treatments for diabetes. Many offer affordable packages so that all patients have access to such treatments. Price Range: USD $9,000~ $18,000

7. Diabetes Treatment and PlacidWay • Diabetes Treatment Benefits: • Lower blood sugar levels • Weight loss for obese patients • An increase in the action of incretins (hormones that increase insulin release) As the number of diabetes cases continues to increase, it is believed that the disease will become the global health crisis of the next generation. Medics believe that they can control the rampant epidemic by increasing people’s awareness to the prevalence of this disease, and by encouraging them to lead a healthy life and regularly test themselves for a rapid detection of diabetes. PlacidWay representingGlobal Brands Your premier resource for Diabetes Treatment Ask for a FREE Quote www.PlacidWay.com Info@placidway.com +1.303.500.3821

8. Global Brands… Global Healthcare Solutions