What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body regulates glucose levels. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels, resulting in serious health complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and it affects more than 28 million people. People with diabetes need to make healthy lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing their blood glucose levels. There are also medications available that can help manage diabetes, including insulin injections and oral medications. With proper management, people with diabetes can lead healthy, active lives.
Types of Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. It is often referred to as juvenile diabetes since it is most commonly diagnosed in children or young adults.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the body is unable to use the insulin it produces.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth.
Diabetes Symptoms
The most common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, extreme hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss, and slow-healing cuts or bruises. If left untreated, serious complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage, heart disease, and stroke can develop. You will also feel that you are always tired, and if you keep your sugar levels high, it can lead to blurry vision. Moreover, our wounds take more time to heal properly when we have excess glucose in our system because it restricts the essential nutrients and oxygen from reaching the wound.
Risks Factors of Diabetes
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as being overweight or obese, eating unhealthy foods, and smoking are all risk factors for diabetes. Other risk factors include lack of exercise, family history of diabetes, age (45 years or older), high blood pressure, and certain ethnicities.
Treatment of Diabetics
The main goal of diabetes treatment is to help keep blood sugar levels within the target range. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and reducing stress. In addition to lifestyle modifications, people with diabetes may need to take medications or insulin injections as prescribed by their doctor. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important for making sure diabetes is well controlled.
Diabetes can be a difficult condition to manage, but with the right treatment plan and lifestyle habits, people living with this condition can lead healthy lives. By understanding your risks and taking steps to prevent or delay diabetes, you can help protect yourself from developing this chronic disease.
Medication
To treat this health condition, a person will need insulin. It can come in the form of an injection or through using a continuous pump. There are five types of injectable insulin available- short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting, pre-mixed, and rapid-acting. The type of insulin chosen depends on the individual and their diabetes control needs. Oral medications can also be prescribed to help regulate blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.
Home Remedies
Certain home remedies can also help manage diabetes. Eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain blood sugar levels. Regular exercise is essential for those with diabetes because it helps the body use insulin more efficiently. Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can also help to reduce stress and improve overall health. It is important to speak with a doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.
Finally, it is important for those living with diabetes to make regular appointments with their healthcare team and monitor their blood sugar levels closely in order to achieve optimal health. With proper management, people with diabetes can lead healthy, active lives. By following the right treatment plan and making lifestyle changes, those with diabetes can maintain good blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of developing serious complications.
About Author
Krishan Chawla
Dietitian, Nutritionist, Health Consultant
Krishan is a certified Counselling Dietician at MantraCare who majorly deals with health and Diet Issues. He has done BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics. He opted this field because he had always been intrigued by biochemistry, which is the backbone of dietetics. He is expert in these fields: Dietitian, Nutritionist, Health Consultant, Clinical Dietitian, Therapeutic Dietitian.
