Highlight the health conditions are associated with carbohydrates

1.Diabetes Mellitus
Blood sugar is central to diabetes, but dietary sugar does not cause diabetes. In
diabetes, blood glucose remains elevated even when the body’s cells need glucose.
This happens either because the pancreas fails to make or secrete insulin or when the
pancreas makes insulin but the cells fail to respond to its action. For example failure of formation and/or liberation or failure of action by circulating insulin. When glucose
is deprived of entry into the cells, it continues to circulate in the blood, setting up the
abnormal situation referred to as hyperglycemia or high concentration of blood
glucose (more than 140mg/100 mls). When blood glucose exceeds 160-180
mg/100mls, the kidney can no longer filter it out, and glucose is excreted in the urine,
a condition known as glucosuria. Glucose tolerance test is usually done to determine
the presence of diabetes. There are two types of diabetes and these are described
below:

- Insulin Dependent Diabetes Dellitus (IDDM).
It is also known as type I or Juvenile onset type. It accounts for 10% of total diabetic
cases. Onset begins suddenly between early childhood and the middle years generally
before 40 years when the pancreas ceases to produce insulin. It is insulin dependent in
treatment.

- Non- Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)
It is also referred to as type II or mature- onset diabetes mellitus. It accounts for 90%
of total diabetic cases. It occurs later in life probably over 55 years. Oral
hypoglycemic drugs are used for treatment plus diet. Type II diabetic patients have
normal or above normal blood insulin, yet the insulin fails to bind to cellular
membranes to perform its function.

2.Dental caries
Carbohydrates are implicated in dental caries. Bacteria found in the mouth digest
sugars and in the process produce acid that corrodes the enamel. The bacteria are able
to convert the food into polysaccharides called dextrans, which adhere to the tooth
surface and form dental plaques. These plaques tend to attract sucrose, which is acted
upon by bacteria to produce acid.

3.Lactose intolerance
Occurs due to insufficiency of the digestive enzyme “lactase” that usually hydrolyses
lactose to galactose and glucose. Lactose levels are highest after birth, as it benefits an
infant whose only first food is milk. Later in life, some people lose the activity of the
enzyme i.e. lack production so that lactose cannot be efficiently hydrolyzed and
absorbed. Thus lactose remains undigested, attracting water and causing bloating,
abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Also lactose becomes a substrate to intestinal
bacteria which multiply and produce irritating acid and gas further contributing to
discomfort and diarrhea. Lactose intolerant people can tolerate fermented milk
products.

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Titany answered the question on November 5, 2021 at 09:01