What is diabetes?

 High blood sugar (glucose) level leads to diabetes. Diabetes occurs when your body cannot properly use insulin, or if your pancreas produces little or no insulin at all. Diabetes is a disease that is experienced by people of any age.

All types of diabetes can be managed with medicine and/or changes to one’s lifestyle and the majority of them are long-term conditions.

The main source of glucose, also known as sugar, is derived from the carbs in the foods and drinks that we consume. Carbohydrates are classified as your body’s main source of energy.

Every single cell in your body takes glucose from your bloodstream to burn for energy.

Once it is in the bloodstream, glucose requires help, or rather, a key to get to the location it needs to reach. The hormone that is most important for this procedure is insulin. For example, if your pancreas does not produce enough insulin to covert glucose to energy.

What are the types of diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of diseases that result from problems with the hormone insulin, and it includes many different variations.

1. Type 1 diabetes: This type of diabetes is one where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that can produce insulin in the body. Type 1 diabetes patients need to receive insulin injections so as to regulate their blood sugar levels adequately.

2. Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of people with diabetes and this type of diabetes is linked to such life styles as poor feeding habits, low physical activity level and obesity. Diabetes type II, the body fails to respond to insulin well or produces insufficient insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes of the second type sometimes can be treated only by changing the diet or by medication or insulin.

3. Gestational diabetes: This type of diabetes develops in a woman during pregnancy and most often disappears after delivering the baby. It also known that gestational diabetes can aggravate complications during pregnancy and delivery and may lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.

4. Prediabetes: It is a state that is characterized by blood glucose levels greater than the norms but still not high enough for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Individuals with prediabetes should definitely change their lifestyle in order not to fall prey of type 2 diabetes.

5. Monogenic diabetes: This is an unusual type of diabetes, which is brought about by alterations in one gene and may run in either or both of the parents. The most common type of diabetes that is genetically determined can affect children or young adults and does not necessarily need insulin.

6. Other specific types: There are other specialised types of diabetes like cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, steroid-induced diabetes, and neonatal diabetes among others. These forms of the disease have different reasons for development and different approaches to treatment.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

It is therefore important to know what is diabetes and what are the possible symptoms that a diabetic patient may experience.

1. Increased thirst: Polydipsia is an implied sign of diabetes since high levels of glucose disturb the concentration of water in the body and trigger thirst.

2. Frequent urination: Polyuria, or increased frequency of urination, is also experienced by diabetic patients since their kidneys must strive to filter out additional sugar from the bloodstream.

3. Fatigue: Diabetes warning: Fatigue was listed as one of the early symptoms that a person could experience due to insulin production issues or insulin resistance by the body cells.

4. Weight loss: Weight loss, and an increase in appetite that cannot be clearly explained may be a sign of type 1 diabetes because the body begins to rely on muscle and fat for energy, instead of glucose.

5. Increased hunger: Diabetes is a disease where people cannot regulate glucose properly and there are several symptoms associated with diabetes: polyphagia is excessive hunger.

6. Blurred vision: High blood sugar could even affect the shape of the lens of the eye, which leads to the issue of blurry vision or any other complications.

7. Slow-healing wounds: Diabetes can cause a number of complications to the normal healing process of the skin leading to frequent incidents of slow healing sores and recurrent infections.

8. Numbness or tingling: Some of the complications of diabetes pertaining to nerve damages can lead to weakness, tingling, or even pain in the hands, feet or any other parts of the body.

9. Recurring infections: The immune system of diabetics also gets compromised, meaning that patients are likely to get infections including urinary, skin, and yeast infection.

What causes diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is not only a hereditary disease but it may be influenced by many factors such as genes and the environment.

1. Type 1 Diabetes:

- It is a chronic disease characterized by the destruction of hormone-producing beta cells of the pancreas whereby the immune system attacks its own cells.

It has been implicated in attacking and destroying the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.

- The reasons for type 1 diabetes mellitus have not been investigated in detail, although the disease is thought to occur as a result of genetic factors and environmental stimuli, which may include viruses and certain toxic agents.

- Type 1 diabetes tends to develop in children and youths, and people with type 1 diabetes have to take insulin shots to regulate their blood sugar levels for the rest of their lives.

2. Type 2 Diabetes:

- Type 2 diabetes is also characterized by insulin resistance whereby the body cells are unable to respond to insulin appropriately causing high levels of blood glucose.

- Some of the predisposing factors to type 2 diabetes are obesity, lack of exercise and poor diet, heredity and old age.

- There is evidence which shows that type 2 diabetes is directly linked with poor food habits, inactivity, and obesity.

- Another antecedent is genetic since specific genetic attributes make people more vulnerable to developing type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes which is diabetes that develops in pregnant women has a different cause as does monogenic diabetes, which is a form of diabetes that results from a mutation in one gene.

However, what should be stressed is that while there are some specific factors that make a person prone to develop diabetes, the factors may be different for different people. Diabetes is commonly managed through the intake of medication and altering specific aspects of one’s daily life as well as regularly testing blood sugar levels to minimise possible complications.

What are the complications of diabetes?

Diabetes can cause a number of complications that impact the body in different ways. Among the frequent issues brought on by diabetes are:
1. Complications related to the heart:
- Heart disease: Diabetes raises the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes, among other heart-related conditions.
- High blood pressure: Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues by exacerbating the condition.
2. Neuropathy
- Diabetic neuropathy: Diabetes-related nerve degeneration can cause symptoms like
weakness, numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the limbs. Digestion, sexual function, and other body processes may also be impacted.
3. Nephropathy:
- Diabetic nephropathy: Diabetes over time can harm the kidneys, resulting in decreased renal function or perhaps renal failure. To avoid consequences, this condition needs to be closely monitored and managed.
4. Retinopathy:
- Diabetic retinopathy: If diabetes-related blood vessel damage to the retina is not addressed, it can result in visual impairments and possibly blindness.

5. Foot Complications: 

-Diabetic foot problems: Foot ulcers, infections, and in extreme situations, amputation can result from nerve loss and inadequate circulation in the feet.

6. Skin Complications:

- Skin conditions: Diabetes increases the risk of bacterial and fungal infections, as well as delayed wound healing.

7. Dental Complications:

- Diabetes raises the risk of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss.

8. Mental Health Complications:

- Depression: Because maintaining a chronic condition can be stressful, diabetes is linked to an increased risk of depression and other mental health problems.

To properly monitor and control their condition, people with diabetes must collaborate closely with their healthcare providers. Blood sugar control, a healthy lifestyle, taking prescription drugs as directed, and routine check-ups can all help lower the risk of complications and enhance the overall quality of life for people with diabetes.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Numerous blood sugar-measuring assays can be used to detect diabetes. The most popular tests for diabetes diagnosis are as follows:

1. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test: After a minimum of eight hours of fasting, this test determines blood sugar levels. A blood sugar level measured during fasting that is at least 126 mg/dL
Diabetes is indicated on two different instances.

2. Random Blood Sugar(RBS): Regardless of when an individual last had food, this test analyzes blood sugar levels at any time of the day. Diabetes may be indicated by blood sugar levels 200 mg/dL or above combined with diabetic symptoms.

Healthcare professionals may perform additional testing to confirm the diagnosis and identify the type of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, etc.) if any of these tests reveal the presence of diabetes. Maintaining blood sugar control and avoiding complications from diabetes need early diagnosis and effective treatment. If you think you might have diabetes, you should get advice and a comprehensive diagnosis from a healthcare provider.

 

Prevention

How can I prevent diabetes?

Making good lifestyle decisions can help lower the chance of acquiring diabetes, which is the first step in preventing the disease. The following advice can help prevent diabetes:

1. Keep a Healthy Weight: One of the main risk factors for diabetes is being overweight or obese. You can lower your chance of having diabetes by eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

 

 

2. Consume a Balanced Diet: Make sure to include a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats.

amino acids and good fats. Eat less processed food, sugar-filled beverages, and foods heavy in trans and saturated fats.

3. Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Exercise helps better sensitivity to insulin and regulate blood sugar levels. Try to get in at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-to-intense activity, including swimming, cycling, or brisk walking.

4. Check Your Blood Sugar Levels: It's critical to periodically check your blood sugar levels if you have any risk factors for diabetes, such as an overweight or family history of the disease. This can facilitate prompt intervention by enabling the early detection of any alterations. 

5. Control Stress: Prolonged stress raises the chance of developing diabetes and insulin resistance. Engage in stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing techniques, and outdoor time.


6. Give Up Smoking: Smokers have a higher chance of developing diabetes and its consequences. Giving up smoking can lower your risk of diabetes and enhance your general health.

7. Restrict Alcohol Use: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood sugar levels and cause weight gain. Keep your alcohol consumption to reasonable amounts—one drink for women and two for men each day, on average. 

8. Get Regular Check-ups: To monitor your general health and determine your risk of developing diabetes, schedule routine check-ups and screenings with your healthcare practitioner. The condition's onset can be postponed or prevented with early detection and action.

Management and Treatment

Diabetes requires a multifaceted approach to management and treatment, including medication, lifestyle changes, close observation, and routine medical attention. The following are some essential tactics for successfully controlling and treating diabetes: 

1. Healthy Eating: Blood sugar control and general health depend on eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Make sure to eat a range of healthful grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Reduce your use of processed foods, sweetened beverages, and high-fat products. To create a customized meal plan that satisfies your unique nutritional requirements, collaborate with a licensed dietitian.

2. Physical Activity: As it helps to enhance insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, control weight, and lower the risk of complications, regular physical activity is essential for treating diabetes. Aim for two times a week at least in strength training and at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

3. Medication: Medication may be provided to assist control blood sugar levels, depending on the type of diabetes and the patient's specific medical needs. Oral drugs, injectable insulin, and other injectable blood sugar-regulating drugs may fall under this category. It's critical to take prescription drugs as directed and to often check blood sugar levels to make sure they fall within the intended ranges.

4. Blood Sugar Monitoring: To understand how food, exercise, medications, and other things affect your diabetes management, regular blood sugar monitoring is crucial. As directed by your healthcare practitioner, use a continuous glucose monitoring device or blood glucose meter to check your levels and make any necessary modifications.

5. Weight Management: Blood sugar management can be greatly enhanced and the risk of complications from diabetes can be decreased by maintaining a healthy weight or, if necessary, losing weight. To reach and stay at a healthy weight, emphasize a mix of exercise, good nutrition, and behavioral changes.

6. Stress Management: Since stress can affect blood sugar levels and general health, diabetes can be effectively managed by implementing stress-reduction strategies like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies.

7. Schedule Routine Medical Check-ups: As needed, make an appointment for routine check-ups with your primary care physician, an endocrinologist, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist, and other specialists. These consultations assist in tracking your diabetic care, evaluating any issues, modifying treatment regimens, and answering any queries or worries you may have.

8. Education and Support: Keep up to date on diabetes care through participation in educational initiatives, joining support networks, using internet tools, and speaking with medical professionals. You can be more empowered to take charge of your health and make wise decisions if you are aware about your illness, available treatments, and self-care techniques.

9. Stop smoking: Stopping smoking is crucial for controlling diabetes and lowering the risk of consequences like kidney issues, heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage. To ensure a successful quit, seek assistance from medical professionals, programs for quitting smoking, or counseling services.1

0. Sleep Hygiene: Make sure you prioritize healthy sleep hygiene by keeping a regular sleep schedule, establishing a calming evening ritual, avoiding stimulants right before bed, and setting up a cozy sleeping space. Aim for 7-9 hours of good sleep every night because insufficient sleep might have an impact on blood sugar regulation and general health.