By: Admin
June 15th 2024

Diabetes is a condition that happens when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It develops when your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or any at all, or when your body isn’t responding to the effects of insulin properly. Diabetes affects individuals of all ages. Diabetes conditions can be chronic (lifelong) and are manageable with medications and lifestyle changes.

Glucose (sugar) comes from food and drinks. when your pancreas is not making enough insulin or your body does not use it properly, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, causing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). having consistently high blood glucose for some time can cause health problems, such as heart disease, nerve damage, and eye issues.

What are the types of diabetes?

There are several types of diabetes. The most common forms include:

• Prediabetes: is the stage before Type 2 diabetes. Your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be officially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
• Type 1 diabetes: This type is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas for unknown reasons. Up to 10% of people who have diabetes have Type 1 are diagnosed as children and young adults, but it can develop at any age.

• Type 2 diabetes: With this type, your body doesn’t make enough insulin, and your body’s cells don’t respond normally to the insulin (insulin resistance). This is the most common type of diabetes. It affects adults, but children can have it as well.
• Gestational diabetes: develops in some people during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy. However, people who have gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Other types of diabetes are not covered here.

How common is diabetes?

Diabetes is common. Approximately 37.3 million people in the United States have diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is the most common form.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The severity of symptoms can vary based on the type of diabetes you have. These symptoms are usually more intense in Type 1 diabetes than Type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst (polydipsia) and dry mouth.
• Frequent urination.
• Fatigue.
• Blurred vision.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
• Slow-healing sores or cuts.
• Frequent skin and vaginal yeast infections.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you or your family members have these symptoms.

What causes diabetes?

Too much glucose circulating in your bloodstream causes diabetes, regardless of the type. However, the reason why your blood glucose levels are high differs depending on the type of diabetes.

How is diabetes managed and treated?

Diabetes is a tricky condition, so its management involves several strategies. In addition, diabetes affects everyone differently, so management plans are individualized.

The four main aspects of managing diabetes include:

• Monitoring your blood sugar (glucose) is key to determining how well your current treatment plan is working.
• Oral diabetes medications (taken by mouth) help manage blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes but still produce some insulin — mostly people with Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. People with gestational diabetes may also need oral medication. T
• Insulin: People with Type 1 diabetes need to inject synthetic insulin to live and manage diabetes. Some people with Type 2 diabetes also require insulin.

• Diet: choosing a healthy diet for you is a key aspect of diabetes management, as food greatly impacts blood sugar. Healthy eating habits can also help you manage your weight and reduce your heart disease risk.
• Exercise: Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity (and helps reduce insulin resistance), so regular exercise is an important part of management for all individuals with diabetes.
• Exercise: Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity (and helps reduce insulin resistance), so regular exercise is an important part of management for all people with diabetes.

To reduce the risk of heart disease, it’s also important to maintain a healthy:

• Weight.
• Blood pressure.
• Cholesterol.

How can I prevent diabetes?

There are some steps you can take to lower your risk for developing prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, including:

• Eat a healthy diet,
• Get physically active. Aim for 30 minutes a day at least five days a week.
• Work to reach a weight that is healthy for you.
• Manage your stress.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Get adequate sleep (typically 7 to 9 hours) a
• stop smoking.

there are some diabetes risk factors you cannot change, such as your genetics/family history, age, and race.

What is the prognosis for diabetes?

Chronic high blood sugar can cause severe complications, which are usually irreversible. In the United States, diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death. Many people with diabetes will die from a heart attack or stroke. However, you can live a healthy life with diabetes. The following are key to a better outcome:

• Regular exercise.
• Dietary changes.
• Regular blood sugar monitoring.

When to see a healthcare provider?

you should see a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst and frequent urination.

If you have diabetes, you should see your provider regularly to help you manage diabetes.

Having a diagnosis of diabetes is a life-changing event, however, it doesn’t mean you can’t live a happy and healthy life. Managing diabetes involves constant care and diligence.

References

Diabetes: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7104-diabetes