Diabetes
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which enters the bloodstream. In response, your pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that allows glucose to enter your cells and be used for energy. In diabetes, this process malfunctions:
Type 1 Diabetes
The body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little to no insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes
The body becomes resistant to insulin, and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance.
Gestational Diabetes
Develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth, but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Common symptoms include:
– Increased thirst and hunger
– Frequent urination
– Unexplained weight loss
– Fatigue
– Blurred vision
– Slow-healing sores
– Frequent infections
Diagnosing Diabetes
Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests, which include:
Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
Measures blood glucose after an overnight fast.
A1C Test:
Provides an average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test:
Measures blood glucose before and after drinking a sugary drink.
Managing Diabetes
Effective management involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
Medications
Insulin:
Essential for type 1 diabetes and sometimes required for type 2.
Oral Medications:
Such as metformin, which helps manage type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy Eating:
Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Regular Exercise:
Helps maintain blood glucose levels and overall health.
Weight Management:
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, especially for type 2 diabetes management.
Monitoring Blood Glucose
Regular monitoring helps track the effectiveness of treatment and adjust as necessary. This can be done through:
Self-Monitoring:
Using a glucometer to check blood sugar levels regularly.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):
Uses a sensor placed under the skin to provide real-time glucose readings.
Complications of Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health issues, including:
Cardiovascular Disease:
Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Neuropathy: Nerve damage, especially in the legs and feet.
Nephropathy: Kidney damage, which can lead to kidney failure.
Retinopathy: Eye damage, potentially leading to blindness.
Foot Damage: Poor circulation and nerve damage can result in serious foot problems.