Diabetes is a long-term illness that has an impact on the lives of a large number of people. It happens when the body cannot properly metabolize glucose, therefore there are high levels of glucose in the blood. This can have numerous implications affecting almost all the systems in the body and its management critically important. In this blog, we hope to provide readers with more information about what diabetes really is, the different types of diabetes, and where it impacts the body, as well as tips on how to manage diabetes properly.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease which involves the physiology of the body leading to high concentrations of glucose into blood. Blood glucose, or blood sugar level, is the main source of energy of the body and is derived from the foods we consume. In this case the hormone is insulin which facilitates the uptake of glucose into the relevant cells for energy use. However, in diabetes, the body either does not produce any insulin or the body cells cannot use the Insulin properly and this results in an accumulation of the glucose in the blood.
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: This is a type of autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system goes for the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas and destroys them. Therefore, the blood sugar level does not get regulated and people suffering from Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin shots.
Type 2 Diabetes: This accounts for about 90- 95% of all diabetes cases and it is characterized by inadequate production of insulin in the body. It develops when the body does not respond to insulin or can, in the least, produce the required measure of insulin. Sometimes they believe that to be suffering from type 2 diabetes, it is due to being overweight, being a couch potato, and having poor eating habits. In most cases it can be treated by changing the lifestyle, by using tablets and, sometimes, insulin.
Gestational Diabetes: This type is relevant during pregnancy and may subside after delivery of the baby. But women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes are at greater risk of getting Type 2 diabetes during their remaining years. These are diabetes that develops in pregnancy and results from the body’s inability to produce adequate quantities of insulin to meet the requirement during pregnancy.
Types of Diabetes
Concerning the types of diabetes, as mentioned, there are three major types and all of them are characterized by different symptoms, causes, and the possible ways of their treatment.
Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is mostly diagnosed in children and young adults and it has no cure and the patient has to take insulin injections for the rest of their lives. Some signs may include increased hunger, increased frequency of stools or urination, rapid weight loss and tiredness. The nature of the exact cause is still undetermined but researchers have speculated that it is maybe due to genetic build and factors present in the environment.
Type 2 Diabetes: This type often affects persons aged 45 years and above although cases of younger persons are on the rise occasioned by escalating cases of obesity. Signs may be like those of type 1, but diagnosis is slower; They can also include rapid onset of symptoms. Type 2 diabetes has links with an individual’s diet, exercise, and body weight; it is very much preventable.
Gestational Diabetes: The specific type of pregnancy, organ, and onset could either occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Most of the time it does not show any signs and is usually diagnosed when one goes for a test. Gestational diabetes is a high risk sickness which affects pregnant women, it requires the woman to regulate her blood sugar and eat the right foods.
Diabetes affects many parts of the body, which include the blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys, feet and skin.
Diabetes has the potential to produce different symptoms on the body if one’s blood sugar levels are not controlled. Here are some of the key areas affected
Eyes: Prolonged high blood sugar levels in the body weaken the blood vessels around the retina and this type of condition is referred to as diabetic retinopathy. If the diseases are left unattended it may result in blindness. Others are cataracts and glaucoma which result from diabetes also.
Kidneys: Diabetes as one of the major causes of kidney disease also referred to as diabetic nephropathy. Specifically, it develops when the blood vessels of the kidneys are affected and the kidneys’ capability to function properly is hindered and sometimes resulting in kidney failure.
Heart: Diabetes increases your likelihood of having a cardiovascular disorder such as heart attack, stroke, or atherosclerosis( the furring of the arteries). High blood sugar level is also a risk for fat deposition in the blood vessels which therefore narrowed blood vessels increases the risk of heart issues.
Nerves: This is a diabetes complication whereby high blood sugar affects the nerves of the body, thus causing impaired functioning. It may result in such signs as numbness, tingling, pain and weakness particularly in the extremities like the hands and the feet. It can influence the digestive system, heart and also sexual life of people receiving the indicated medicine.
These are the questions that might be commonly presented by the patients to their doctors: How Do You Manage Diabetes?
Diabetes basically can be controlled through changing the diet, taking prescribed medication and constant check of blood sugar level. Here are some key strategies for managing diabetes:Here are some key strategies for managing diabetes:
Healthy Eating: It establishes that a diabetic needs to take foods in the right proportions to ensure that their Blood sugar level does not fluctuate in the wrong direction. Choose foods that are rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and lean meats including fish and poultry as well as healthy fats. It is also recommended to avoid excessive consumption of carbohydrates as they have the lead effect towards the blood sugars. A dietitian will be of assistance in helping one to make meals that will be suitable for your needs.
Regular Exercise: It has been established that physical activity aids in increasing the usage of insulin by the body and reduces the blood sugar levels. Ideally one should aim to do a minimum 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week for instance – brisk walking, swimming or cycling. Another activity that is recommended is strength training exercises.
Medication: Depending on the type of diabetes, one may require use of insulin or other drugs in order to control blood sugar. One should not forget to take his/her medications and equally not forget to check the level of sugar in the body now and again.
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Conclusion
Diabetes itself is a complicated disease that is chronic in nature and needs to be managed throughout a person’s lifetime. It is important for one to know the various types of diabetes, its impact on the human body and how to lead a healthy life despite having this illness. It is understood that accompanied by the alteration of the lifestyle, strict adherence to prescribed medicines, and constant control of the blood sugar level, people with diabetes should be able to live full, active lives with rare complications. Diabetes patients should consult the healthcare provider for a proper management plan in case they have the condition, or know a person with this problem.
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