Diabetes is one such health condition that makes it difficult for the body to control blood sugar. If not managed timely, it can cause many serious health complications.
Introduction
Every second person worldwide is affected by diabetes, with millions currently living with this serious health condition. Diabetes occurs when the human body is unable to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. If not managed in time, it can lead to severe complications.
Glucose is one of the main sources of energy in our body, which we take through our food. When there is a shortage of insulin hormone in our body, this insulin does not work properly, so glucose remains in the blood instead of going into the cells, which becomes the main reason for diabetes.
If diabetes is not properly controlled, it can also increase the risk of heart disease, kidney damage, nerve issues and vision problems. In this article, we will provide detailed information about what diabetes is, its types, causes, and available treatment options
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
This is a type of autoimmune condition that is mostly diagnosed in childhood. In this the body’s immune system attacks the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is not under the control of the patient and can also be caused by genetic or environmental factors.
Type 2 Diabetes
This type is common in adults and is mostly related to lifestyle, in which the body is not able to produce insulin properly.
In type 2 diabetes the body does produce insulin, but the cells cannot use the insulin properly. This condition can be controlled by lifestyle, which includes healthy diet, exercise and weight control.
Gestational Diabetes
This type of diabetes is found in pregnant women during pregnancy and may go away on its own after the baby is born, but it can also put the mother at risk of Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes can create complications for both the baby and the mother, so it is very important to have regular checkups. Hormonal changes keep happening during pregnancy in which blood sugar levels become abnormal, which is the reason for this type of diabetes.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of diabetes start appearing, but people ignore them. It is very important to pay attention to the symptoms because if it is detected in the early stage, it can be managed better in time.
Frequent Urination:
Due to excess blood sugar in the body, the kidneys release extra glucose through urine, which becomes the main reason for going to the bathroom repeatedly.
Excessive Thirst and Hungriness:
Due to frequent urination the body starts feeling dehydrated, which increases thirst.
Weight loss without any reason:
The body uses stored fat for energy when blood sugar cannot reach the cells, leading to continued weight loss.
Fatigue aur Irritability:
High blood sugar causes a loss of energy, which makes a person feel tired and irritated.
Blurred vision:
High blood sugar can cause the lens of the eye to swell, which can make vision blurred.
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes and risks of the above diabetes types are:
Type 1 Diabetes Causes
Genetic Predisposition:
Type 1 diabetes is mostly caused by genetic conditions and autoimmune factors.
Type 2 Diabetes Causes
Lifestyle Factors:
The causes of Type 2 diabetes are poor diet, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.
Genetics:
If someone in the family already has diabetes then the risk of getting diabetes is higher.
Gestational Causes
Hormonal changes occur during pregnancy, which leads to gestational diabetes, which can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Diagnosis
To diagnose diabetes, some tests are usually done which are given below.:
Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
In this test, blood glucose is measured after fasting overnight.
HbA1c Test:
With this test, the average blood sugar level in the last 2-3 months is checked.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test:
In this test, a sugar solution is given to drink and then the sugar levels in the blood are measured.
Managing and Treating
It is very important to manage diabetes at the right time, so some basic ways to manage diabetes are given below:
Medication and Insulin:
In Type 1 diabetes, it is necessary to give insulin injections whereas Type 2 diabetes can be managed with just a few lifestyle changes and control with medications.
Diet and Exercise:
Balanced diet and regular exercise are considered a very good source for controlling blood glucose.
Monitoring Blood Sugar:
It is important to do blood sugar check-ups from time to time and take follow-up care so that we can control it on time.
Keep up with regular check-up:
Regular checkup is important so that you can monitor your health so that you can treat and prevent diseases.
Complications
If diabetes is not managed on time, it can lead to some serious health risks:
Heart Disease:
Diabetes puts a lot of pressure on the heart because high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels of the human body to a great extent. It can cause blockage which causes problems in the proper functioning of blood flow. Due to this, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases in diabetes. Therefore, it is important for diabetic patients to focus on heart health as well.
Nerve Damage:
High blood sugar can also damage nerves in the body, especially those in the hands and feet. It can cause numbness, tingling, and sometimes severe pain that interferes with mobility and daily activities. This is called diabetic neuropathy and can create many more problems if it is not controlled.
Kidney Failure:
High blood sugar in diabetes can damage the filtration system of the kidneys. Kidneys can have difficulty filtering blood, which can lead to kidney failure if it persists for a long time. This condition is called diabetic nephropathy, and it can lead to dialysis or kidney transplant if not controlled in time.
Vision Problems:
Diabetes can also damage the blood vessels of the eyes, which can lead to blurred vision, cataracts, and sometimes even blindness. High blood sugar causes fluid build-up in the retina, which increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, it is very important for diabetic patients to have regular eye check-ups.
Take Home Points
Healthy Lifestyle β
Diet and regular exercise help a lot in controlling diabetes risk and blood sugar levels.
Blood Sugar Monitoring β
Regular blood sugar checkup helps in knowing your health status and treatment can be started on time.
Medication and Treatment Follow-up β
If you are a diabetic patient, then complications related to your sugar level can be controlled with medication and routine follow-up
Self-Education β
It is very important to understand the symptoms, causes and treatment of diabetes so that you remain informed about your health and can take quick decisions.
References
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 What is diabetes and how does it occur?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use and store blood sugar properly. This condition occurs when the pancreas produces less insulin hormone or the cells do not respond adequately to insulin, which causes the blood sugar level to become high.
Q.2 Can diabetes be treated?
A permanent cure for Type 1 diabetes is not yet available, but it can be managed with insulin therapy and a healthy lifestyle. In Type 2 diabetes, blood sugar can be controlled through lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes insulin.
Q.3 What are the common symptoms of Diabetes?
Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. These symptoms should not be ignored and a doctor should be consulted.
Q.4 What is the difference between diabetes and Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is the stage when the blood sugar level is high, but not as high as diabetes. If timely lifestyle changes are not made, then prediabetes can turn into diabetes.
Q.5 Which body organs are affected by Diabetes?
Diabetes affects the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. If not controlled, it can cause serious complications, such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve pain, and vision loss.
Q.6 Can diabetes be caused only by eating sugary foods?
No, only sugary foods do not cause diabetes. The risk of diabetes increases due to genetics, lifestyle, obesity, and physical inactivity. But high-sugar diet can cause problems in blood sugar control if you are already a diabetes patient.
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