Everything You Need To Know About Diabetes: Types, Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, also referred to simply as diabetes, is a disease that occurs when blood sugar levels in the body rise beyond the normal range. Blood sugar or blood glucose is the main source of energy for the body and is derived from the food we eat. However, glucose can only be utilized as an energy source with the help of insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas. In certain circumstances, your body isn’t able to produce enough insulin or fails to use insulin effectively. This in turn leads to a rise in blood glucose levels, which can cause many health issues, including diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications, posing a threat to different body organs and tissues, including the nerves, kidneys, heart, etc.

What Are The Types Of Diabetes?

Type 1: In this chronic disease, the immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin. As a result of the reduced insulin production, blood glucose levels start to rise dangerously high. This makes it necessary for type 1 diabetes patients to take insulin shots regularly to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Type 2: This is the most common type of diabetes across the world. In this type of diabetes, insulin is generated in the body, but can not be used efficiently. In other words, the body becomes resistant to insulin and the level of blood sugar rises.

Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes refers to a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Insulin-blocking hormones, produced in the body by the placenta can impair the efficient use of insulin. Most of the time, this type of diabetes is temporary and goes away after pregnancy.

What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetes?

Increased hunger
Increased thirst
Increased frequency of urination
Loss of weight
Fatigue and tiredness
Blurred vision

What Are The Causes Of Diabetes?

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes: The exact causes of Type 1 diabetes are unknown. It is said that genetic and environmental factors, including viral infections and autoimmune conditions can lead to the development of this type of diabetes.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes: The most common causes for Type 2 diabetes include a sedentary lifestyle and excess body weight or obesity. A family history of the disease, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also increase the risk of this type of diabetes.

Causes of Gestational Diabetes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy are the main cause of gestational diabetes. Women who are overweight during pregnancy are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.

What Are The Risk Factors Related To Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes:
Family history of diabetes
Genetic factors
Environmental factors such as virus exposure

Type 2 Diabetes:
Excess weight
Obesity
Physical inactiveness
Family history of diabetes
Genetic and environmental factors

Gestational Diabetes:
Physical inactiveness
Excess weight
Obesity
Family history of diabetes
History of miscarriages
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

What Tests Are Needed To Diagnose Diabetes?

Individuals who are at high risk of diabetes or display symptoms of the condition can be advised to undergo the following tests:
Fasting blood glucose test
Hemoglobin A1C test
Oral glucose tolerance test

What Is The Treatment Of Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes: There is no permanent cure for this disease as the body can no longer produce adequate insulin. The primary treatment is therefore to administer insulin into the body externally through insulin injections of insulin pumps to maintain safe blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes: This type of diabetes is managed through a combination of lifestyle and diet interventions as well as medications. Depending on the severity of the condition, insulin may also be injected into the body.

Gestational Diabetes: Physical activity and exercises are recommended along with some dietary changes. Depending on the severity of the condition, medications and insulin injections may also be prescribed.

What Are The Health Problems That Can Develop Due To Uncontrolled Diabetes?

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney failure.
Diabetes increases the risk of heart failure and strokes.
Diabetes may also lead to blindness and other eye problems.
People with diabetes may also suffer from neuropathy or nerve damage.
Delayed wound healing can significantly increase the risk of infections.

What Can Be Done To Prevent Diabetes?

Maintain a physically active lifestyle. Mild to moderate exercises and activities like walking, cycling, or yoga can lower the risk of diabetes.
Eat a healthy diet. Avoid eating saturated fats and include more fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Maintain a healthy body weight. If you are overweight or obese, try to lose weight gradually, in a healthy and sustainable manner.

References Links:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/getting-tested.html
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
3. https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes.html
4. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes
6. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001214.htm
7. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/diabetes-general-symptoms-causes