Diabetes has become more prevalent worldwide in recent decades, impacting people of every background and age. It is a severe metabolic condition characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels.
If not managed properly, excessive blood sugar levels can cause severe harm to many organs and body systems, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
It is vital to understand the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies for this emerging public health problem to encourage prevention and enhance patient outcomes. This article will cover every aspect of the condition, from forms to prevention techniques.
What is Diabetes and its types?
Diabetes or high blood sugar levels occur when the pancreas, an organ found beneath the stomach, is unable to synthesize sufficient insulin, or when the body’s cells develop resistance to the insulin that is produced, or a combination of both.
Insulin is a natural hormone that controls blood sugar levels. It lets glucose enter the cells and be utilized for energy; without appropriate insulin activity, glucose accumulates in the circulation. When this mechanism is disturbed, glucose accumulates in the blood, causing high blood sugar levels, leading to serious health issues.
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Diabetes is classified into the following four main categories, each with its own set of causes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: It is an autoimmune illness in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and kills insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a consequence, the body generates little or no insulin. It primarily affects children and young adults, although it may happen at any age. Its onset is often sudden and cannot be prevented. Patients often require daily insulin injections or pump therapy for survival.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes is the most common, accounting for most cases. The body either fails to produce enough insulin to fulfill its needs or its cells do not respond efficiently to the insulin produced (a condition known as insulin resistance).
- Prediabetes: This is a significant transitional stage where blood glucose levels are elevated above usual but not yet high enough for diagnosis of a Type 2 Diabetes. Prediabetes increases the chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke; however, with prompt lifestyle changes, the transition to Type 2 Diabetes may typically be avoided or delayed.
- Gestational Diabetes: This form develops during pregnancy in some women who have never had the condition before. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy might cause insulin resistance. While it normally disappears after childbirth, both the mother and the child are more prone to acquire Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
Diabetes symptoms
Symptoms of Diabetes differ depending on the type and individual condition, and in type 2, they can be minor and develop gradually, frequently going undiscovered for years. Common symptoms across all types include:
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst and hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands or feet
How do you get Diabetes?
Although each type has distinct causes, the following common risk factors make you more prone to develop the condition:
- Diseases affecting the pancreas, like Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Cancer, or Cystic Fibrosis
- Endocrine disorders
- Excess iron in the body (Hemochromatosis)
- Family history
- Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen
- Physical inactivity
- Belonging to African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American populations
Complications
Uncontrolled or poorly managed blood sugar levels can cause serious and life-threatening complications, mainly due to damage to blood vessels and nerves. These often include:
- Cardiovascular disease: High blood glucose levels significantly raise the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, Coronary Artery Disease, and Peripheral Arterial Disease by enhancing cholesterol levels. As per an article published by The American Journal of the Medical Sciences in 2017, high blood glucose levels are one of the main causes behind strokes.
- Diabetic Neuropathy: It is a nerve injury that often affects the legs and feet, resulting in tingling, numbness, discomfort, and weakness. It can also affect the nerves that control digestion, urine, and sexual function.
- Erectile Dysfunction: High blood sugar levels can also affect your ability to have erections, a condition known as Erectile Dysfunction (ED) by affecting blood supply to the penis.
- Foot problems: Nerve damage and inadequate blood flow enhance the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and, in extreme situations, amputation (removal of limb or other body parts).
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic Retinopathy is distinguished by impairment of the blood arteries in the retina, which can result in vision loss and blindness.
- Diabetic Nephropathy: It is a kidney disorder that can progress to kidney damage, requiring dialysis or a transplant.
- Glaucoma: High blood sugar levels can cause Glaucoma by damaging the blood vessels in the eye, leading to poor fluid drainage and increased intraocular pressure. Over time, this pressure can damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss.
However, you can effectively reduce the risk of these complications by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Diagnosis
Early and precise diagnosis is critical for initiating timely management and preventing the progression of the disease and its associated complications. Diabetes is generally diagnosed by blood tests that monitor glucose levels, as symptoms are typically mild or nonexistent, particularly in Type 2 Diabetes. The most common diagnostic tests include:
- The fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test measures blood glucose after an overnight fasting of at least 8 hours.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), where blood glucose is measured before and two hours after consuming a sugary drink to assess how the body processes sugar.
- The Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) test calculates an average of blood glucose levels of the past 2-3 months by identifying the percentage of sugar attached.
How to prevent Diabetes?
While Type 1 Diabetes cannot be prevented, Type 2 can be managed properly with the following lifestyle changes:
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Engage in at least 150 minutes of mild-intensity exercise every week.
- Have a healthy and balanced diet, including whole, unprocessed foods and limiting sugar and saturated fats.
- Quitting smoking reduces the chance of acquiring Type 2 Diabetes and its consequences.
- Regular check-ups involving early identification of Prediabetes enable early intervention.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a severe but controllable disease that affects millions of individuals around the world. Understanding what the disease is, its various types, causes, and how to manage it allows you to take vital actions to safeguard your health or help loved ones with the condition.
A healthy diet, frequent exercise, and following your doctor’s recommendations are essential for controlling blood sugar levels and avoiding associated complications, such as Diabetic Retinopathy and heart problems. Remember that early identification and effective care may make a significant difference in living a healthy and active life with the condition.
If you experience any symptoms or have risk factors, consult a healthcare expert immediately. Individuals with the condition can live happy lives with proper guidance and assistance, lowering their risk of significant health issues in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stress directly increase blood sugar levels?
Yes, prolonged stress stimulates the production of hormones such as Cortisol, which can raise insulin resistance and glucose production, increasing blood sugar levels. Managing stress is essential for controlling blood glucose levels.
Can certain medications cause a spike in blood sugar levels?
Yes, some medications, such as corticosteroids, diuretics, and antipsychotics, may trigger or worsen insulin resistance, resulting in medication-induced Diabetes or unmasking preexisting Prediabetes. Consult your doctor before taking any medications.
Why do my blood sugar levels occasionally spike after exercise?
Intense physical activity can induce a brief increase in blood sugar due to stress hormones that release glucose. This impact typically slows down, and long-term activity helps reduce blood sugar.
Why is continuous sleep so crucial in blood sugar management?
Poor or insufficient sleep may disrupt hormone function, raising insulin resistance and making blood sugar management more difficult. For effective blood sugar management, aim for 7-9 hours of decent sleep each night.
Why do doctors suggest Flu and Pneumonia vaccinations to people with Diabetes?
Excessive blood sugar levels impair the immune system, leaving people more susceptible to severe infections. Vaccines provide essential defense against diseases that can significantly impair blood sugar regulation; hence, they are suggested by doctors.
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