Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that characterized by insufficient insulin production, ineffective insulin use, or both. According to surveys, millions of people across the globe suffering with diabetes. Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide. The main risk factors are obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history, and age. Glucose is the main source of energy for our cells.
Blood sugar is blood glucose, and should be maintained within limits. Glucose is a source of energy to cells, and insulin is supposed to be a key which facilitates the entrance of glucose into cells. High levels of glucose in the bloodstream occur when insulin is unavailable or dysfunctional.
Types of Diabetes
The common types of Diabetes are
Type 1 Diabetes
It is an autoimmune condition and also known insulin-dependent diabetes, childhood-onset or juvenile diabetes. In Type 1 diabetic patient, body does not produce insulin because immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, little or no insulin is produced. This type of diabetes called insulin-dependent diabetes. Mostly type 1 diabetes is seen in childhood or adolescence and in cases adults also. The type 1 Diabetes must depends on insulin injections to manage their blood sugar. The type 1 diabetic symptoms can appear suddenly, including extreme thirst, frequent urination, and unintended weight loss.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, meaning it can’t use it as effectively or body does’t produces enough insulin. This type of diabetes generally diagnosed in adults. If medication is not taken early stage, the pancreas may not produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is mostly linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet, obesity, stress, anxiety (click here to view what is anxiety), sleepless, and lack of exercise, genetics can also play a role. Type 2 diabetic symptoms are diabetes blurry vision, diabetes frequent urine smell, etc.
Gestational Diabetes
This type of diabetes generally occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth. But, women who experience gestational diabetes they may higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes after 5yrs of delivery.
Monogenic Diabetes
Monogenic diabetes is a genetic related form of diabetes. In this condition, specific single genetic mutation that affect insulin production leads to Monogenic diabetes.
Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare form of diabetes that occurs in infants, typically diagnosed within the first six months of life.
Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide
Causes and Risk Factors for Diabetes
Factors contribute to the development of diabetes:
Genetic Predisposition: If a close relative has diabetes, you are at higher risks of developing it.
Lifestyle Factors: Consuming processed foods, bakery items, sweets and fats can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Obesity: Excess weight contributes to insulin insensitivity.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of activity raises the chances of getting Type 2 diabetes.
Age: Many older adults are likely to have Type 2 diabetes due to advancing age, especially after 45 years.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
The signs vary with the type of diabetes but symptoms that can be found in all types include:
Polyuria
Polydipsia
Weight loss with no apparent cause
Weakness
Visual Impairment
It should always be noted that Type 1 symptoms are more likely to be dramatic whereas Type 2 symptoms may take years.
Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to these complications if untreated:
CV Diseases: Chances of heart attacks and strokes increase dramatically. Peripheral Nerve Damage: Pain or numbness commonly found in hands and feet. Nephropathy: Damaging effects on the kidneys which may lead to total failure of kidney function. Retinal Damage: Very poor vision which can lead to complete blindness. Foot Issues: Slow recovery of sores and the rate of infection increases which can lead to partial or total amputations of foot.
Diagnosis and Testing for Diabetes
Diagnosis mostly consists of:
Fasting Blood Glucose Test: To measure blood sugar levels in patients after they have fasted overnight.
Hemoglobin A1C Test: To determine average blood sugar levels over a defined period of time (2-3 months)
Treatment Options for Diabetes
Insulin therapy is important for type 1 diabetes. For type 2, oral options like metformin can assist in controlling blood sugar levels but may some patients might require insulin in future in some cases. Diabetic person should consult endocrinologist regularly.
Instructions for insulin therapy are crucial in the management of type 1 diabetes and this is the most important aspect of the treatment for type 1 patients. It is important for people with type 2 diabetes to take medication that will assist to keep their blood sugars under control. Most type 2 patients can take oral therapy with some requiring insulin, while the few who have obesity as the last option can undergo bariatric surgery.
Diabetes patients modify their life style in an attempt to manage their condition. Reduce the intake of sugars and control most of the simple carbohydrates and eat more whole grains, lean meats, low dairy fat, healthy fats. Exercise management–frequent activity can optimize insulin sensitivity.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Continuous glucose monitoring devices and blood glucose meters have provided better insights on this due to their efficacy in sensing glucose fluctuations. Tight control of blood glucose is important facilitate effective management of diabetes.
Blood sugar level ranges are:
Fasting blood sugar: A normal fasting blood sugar level: 70 and 100 mg/dL. Prediabetes: 100 -125 mg/dL, Diabetes: A level above 126 mg/dL is considered diabetes.
Blood sugar before a meal: A typical target is 80 to 130 mg/dL.
Blood sugar two hours after a meal: A typical target is less than 180 mg/dL.
Hemoglobin A1C (A1c): An HbA1c shows your average blood sugar over a 2-3 months. The hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) level used to diagnose diabetes is 6.5% or higher:
Normal: Below 5.7%
Prediabetes: Between 5.7% and 6.4%
Diabetes: higher than 6.5%
Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion
Although diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease, patients can live a healthy and active life with appropriate management practices. It is possible and the aim is to prevent and control complications with early diagnosis, treatment, and modified health behavior.
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