What is Diabetes
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body has difficulty to regulate the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Glucose is the body's main source of energy, and the hormone insulin which is produced by the pancreas, that helps to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells where it can be used to produce energy.
When insulin is insufficient, or doesn't work properly in the blood, sugar levels in the blood become too high (hyperglycemia). If it cannot be control over a period of time it may lead to damage many organs and tissues of the body.
Types of Diabetes
1. Type 1 Diabetes
-
An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
-
Usually develops in children, teenagers, or young adults, but anyone at any age can be diagnosed with this.
-
In this condition body produces little or no insulin.
-
Requires lifelong insulin therapy.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
-
It is most common type of diabetes. Most of the people are suffering from this
-
The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough.
-
Risk factors include:
-
Being overweight or obese
-
Physical inactivity
-
Family history
-
Increasing age
-
-
Diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, injectable medications.
3. Gestational Diabetes
-
Develops during pregnancy.
-
Usually resolves after childbirth.
-
Increases the mother's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
-
Can affect the baby's health if not properly managed during pregnancy.
4. Prediabetes
-
Blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
-
Without any precaution over a period of time people with prediabetes may develop Type 2 diabetes.
-
Healthy lifestyle changes can often prevent or delay progression.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms may develop gradually (especially in Type 2 diabetes) or quickly (often in Type 1 diabetes).
Common symptoms include:
-
Frequent urination
-
Excessive thirst
-
Increased hunger
-
Unexplained weight loss
-
Fatigue
-
Blurred vision
-
Slow-healing cuts or wounds
-
Frequent infections
-
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet (more common in long-standing Type 2 diabetes)
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
-
Family history of diabetes
-
Overweight or obesity
-
Lack of regular physical activity
-
Age over 45 years (though younger adults and children can also develop it)
-
High blood pressure
-
High cholesterol or triglycerides
-
History of gestational diabetes
-
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers commonly use these blood tests:
|
|
|
||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of diabetes.
Diabetes prevention
Lifestyle changes can help to prevent type 2 diabetes, the most
common form of the disease. Prevention is especially important if any one
have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. For example, they may have a higher
risk of the disease if they have excess weight or obesity, high
cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes.
If a person has been diagnosed with prediabetes — high blood sugar that
doesn't reach the level of a diabetes diagnosis — lifestyle changes can
prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
Making a few changes in individuals lifestyle may help in
avoiding serious diabetes health complications in the future. Nerve,
kidney and heart damage are a few possible complications that can be
prevented with some changes. It's never too late to start.
1. Lose weight
Losing weight lowers the risk of diabetes. The American Diabetes
Association recommends that people with prediabetes can lose at least 5% to
7% of their body weight to prevent diabetes. More weight loss can turn into
even greater benefits.
People in one large study lowered their risk of developing type 2 diabetes
by almost 60% over three years. In this study, they lost about 7% of their
body weight with changes in physical activity and diet.
Set a weight-loss goal based on current body weight. Talking to a healthcare professional about reasonable short-term goals and expectations. For example, aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week.
2. Be physically active
You can gain many benefits from getting regular physical activity, such as:
- Losing weight.
- Lowering your blood sugar.
- Boosting your sensitivity to insulin — which helps keep your blood sugar within a typical range.
- Increasing your aerobic fitness.
3. Healthy eating habits
Plants in diet give vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates to body.
Carbohydrates includes sugar and starche — the energy sources for a body
— and fiber. Dietary fiber, also called roughage or bulk, is the part of
plant foods body can't digest or absorb.
Fiber-rich foods promote weight loss and lower the risk of diabetes.
Eat a variety of healthy, fiber-rich foods, which include:
-
Fruits, such as tomatoes, peppers and fruit from trees.
-
Non-starchy vegetables, such as leafy greens, broccoli and
cauliflower.
-
Legumes, such as beans, chickpeas and lentils.
-
Whole grains, such as whole-wheat pasta and bread, whole-grain rice,
whole oats, and quinoa.
Fiber benefits include:
-
Slowing the absorption of sugars and lowering blood sugar levels.
-
Interfering with the absorption of dietary fat and cholesterol.
-
Managing other risk factors that affect heart health, such as blood
pressure and inflammation.
-
Helping in eating less because fiber-rich foods are more filling and
energy rich.
4. Eat healthy fats
Avoid eating many fatty foods that are high in calories. To help lose
and manage weight, diet should include a variety of foods with
unsaturated fats. These are sometimes called healthy fats.
Unsaturated fats — both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats — promote healthy blood cholesterol level and good heart and vascular health. Healthy fat sources include:
-
Olive, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed and canola oils.
-
Avocados.
-
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, peanuts, flaxseed and pumpkin
seeds.
- Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna and cod.
Saturated fats are found in dairy products and meats. These should be a small part of your diet. You can limit saturated fats by eating low-fat dairy products and lean chicken and pork.
5. Skip trending diets and make healthier choices
Many trending diets — such as the glycemic index, paleo or keto diets
— may help lose weight. But there is little research about the
long-term benefits of these diets or how they help prevent
diabetes.
The goal for diet should be to lose weight and then keep a healthier
weight moving forward. So healthy decisions about diet need to include
a plan that can keep as a lifelong habit. Making healthy decisions
that reflect some of the foods like and traditions may be helpful over
time.
One simple way to help make healthy food choices and eat appropriate
portion sizes is to divide up plate. For example, aim for plate to
include these portions:
-
One-half: fruit and nonstarchy vegetables.
-
One-quarter: whole grains.
- One-quarter: protein-rich foods, such as legumes, fish or lean meats.
Possible Complications
If blood sugar remains uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to:
A. Short-term
-
Severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
-
Diabetic ketoacidosis (mostly Type 1)
-
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (mostly Type 2)
B. Long-term
-
Heart disease
-
Stroke
-
Kidney disease
-
Eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)
-
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
-
Foot ulcers and infections
-
Increased risk of amputations
-
Gum disease
Prevention
Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented.
The risk of Type 2 diabetes can often be reduced by:
-
Maintaining a healthy weight
-
Exercising regularly
-
Eating a balanced, high-fiber diet
-
Limiting sugary foods and beverages
-
Getting regular health checkups
-
Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
Monitoring
People with diabetes may need to:
-
Check blood glucose regularly using a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
-
Have HbA1c measured every 3–6 months.
-
Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol.
-
Get yearly eye, kidney, and foot examinations.
When to Seek Medical Care
See a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue, or if you have risk factors for diabetes and have not been screened. Seek urgent medical care if you have severe vomiting, confusion, difficulty breathing, or very high blood sugar with dehydration, as these may indicate a medical emergency.
With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and healthy lifestyle habits, many people with diabetes can lead long, active, and healthy lives.
Comments
Post a Comment