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Diabetes: Understanding the Disease and Managing It
What is Diabetes?
– Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes glucose (sugar), which is a vital source of energy.
– Normally, insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells for energy.
– In diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Types of Diabetes
– Type 1 Diabetes:
– The body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
– Requires insulin therapy.
– Type 2 Diabetes:
– The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough.
– Often managed with lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin.
– Gestational Diabetes:
– Occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth.
– Increases risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms of Diabetes
– Frequent urination.
– Excessive thirst.
– Increased hunger.
– Fatigue or tiredness.
– Blurry vision.
– Slow-healing cuts or wounds.
– Unexplained weight loss (Type 1).
– Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (Type 2).
Causes and Risk Factors
– Type 1 Diabetes:
– Exact cause unknown, but thought to be related to autoimmune reactions.
– Type 2 Diabetes:
– Obesity or being overweight.
– Lack of physical activity.
– Poor diet, high in sugars and unhealthy fats.
– Family history of diabetes.
– Age (risk increases over 45).
– Ethnicity (higher risk in certain ethnic groups).
Screening and Diagnostic Tests
– Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
– Measures blood glucose after an overnight fast.
– Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL.
– Pre-diabetes: 100–125 mg/dL.
– Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher.
– Oral Glucose Tolerance Test:
– Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary drink.
– Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after the drink.
– Hemoglobin A1c Test (HbA1c):
– Reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
– Normal: Below 5.7%.
– Pre-diabetes: 5.7%–6.4%.
– Diabetes: 6.5% or higher.
Complications of Untreated Diabetes
– Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, strokes).
– Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy).
– Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).
– Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy, blindness).
– Foot problems (poor circulation leading to infections and possible amputations).
Treatment Options
– Type 1 Diabetes:
– Daily insulin injections or use of an insulin pump.
– Regular blood sugar monitoring.
– Type 2 Diabetes:
– Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight management.
– Oral medications to improve blood sugar control.
– Insulin therapy may be required in some cases.
– Gestational Diabetes:
– Healthy eating and physical activity.
– Blood sugar monitoring.
– Insulin may be needed if blood sugar levels are not well-controlled.
Lifestyle Changes for Managing Diabetes
– Healthy Diet:
– Focus on whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
– Limit sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.
– Physical Activity:
– Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
– Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
– Weight Management:
– Losing even a small amount of weight can improve blood sugar control, especially in type 2 diabetes.
– Regular Monitoring:
– Keep track of your blood sugar levels with home testing devices.
– Work closely with your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Preventing Diabetes
– Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes.
– Maintain a healthy weight.
– Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbs.
– Engage in regular physical activity.
– Get regular health check-ups to monitor blood sugar levels, especially if you have risk factors.
For more information or to schedule a diabetes check-up, contact us at 8007444