Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The hormone insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by moving glucose from the blood into the cells of the body, where it can be used for energy.
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What Is Diabetes? & Types Of Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections for the rest of their lives.
Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common form of diabetes, it develops when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or when the cells in the body become resistant to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese, lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet.
Both types of diabetes can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed, including heart disease, kidney damage, blindness, nerve damage, and amputations. People with diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer.
There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and regular medical care.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetes?
The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type of diabetes and how advanced it is. Some common symptoms of diabetes include:
Frequent Urination: High blood sugar levels can cause an increase in the need to urinate, especially at night.
Increased Thirst and Hunger: The body needs more fluids to help flush out the excess sugar in the blood, which can cause increased thirst. At the same time, high blood sugar levels can also cause a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss.
Fatigue: The body's cells are not getting the energy they need from glucose, leading to feelings of weakness and fatigue.
Blurred Vision: High blood sugar levels can cause changes in the shape of the lens of the eye, leading to temporary blurred vision.
Slow-healing wounds: High blood sugar levels can affect the ability of the body's white blood cells to fight off infection, which can slow the healing of wounds.
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves, leading to numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
Dry, itchy skin: High blood sugar levels can make the skin dry and itchy, and can also increase the risk of skin infections.
Recurrent yeast infections (women): High blood sugar levels can create a breeding ground for yeast.
Unintentional weight loss: In type 1 diabetes, the body breaks down muscle and fat for energy, leading to weight loss.
Not all people with diabetes experience symptoms, and some people may not have any symptoms even though they have high blood sugar levels. If you think you may have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
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What Are The Causes Of Diabetes?
There are several causes of diabetes, depending on the type of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The exact cause of the disorder is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Type 2 diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. The body is unable to produce enough insulin or the cells in the body become resistant to insulin. This is commonly linked to:
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet (high in added sugars, saturated and trans fats, and sodium)
- Genetics, certain ethnicities have higher rates of diabetes than others.
- Advanced age
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Sleep apneaCertain medications.
It's important to note that not all cases of diabetes have a clear cause, and it's a complex disease influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A healthcare professional can help determine the cause of diabetes in an individual case.
Explain Diabetes Treatment
Treatment for diabetes typically includes a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and regular medical care. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type of diabetes and the individual needs of the person.
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Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin therapy, which typically involves daily injections of insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin for the rest of their lives to survive. The dosage and timing of insulin injections will be adjusted based on blood sugar levels and other factors.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with lifestyle changes alone, such as:
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in added sugars, saturated and trans fats, and sodium, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Getting regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Managing stress.
- Quitting smoking.
- Limiting alcohol consumption
However, if lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control blood sugar levels, medication may be prescribed to help lower blood sugar levels. These medications may include oral medications such as metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, or insulin therapy.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is typically treated with lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and maintaining healthy body weight. In some cases, medication may be needed to help control blood sugar levels.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition that is usually treated by lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and maintaining healthy body weight.
It's important to note that diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare professionals is essential to prevent or delay the onset of complications. In addition, people with diabetes should have regular check-ups to monitor blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and to check for any signs of complications.
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