What is Diabetes
This atricle covers the basics of diabetes, such as what is Diabetes?, including its causes,symptoms, and treatment options,for those who have diagnosed with it or know someone who has.
As a result of the body's inability to produce or use insulin properly, diabetes causes high levels of blood glucose( sugar ). Despite the fact that diabetes is a serious condition with long-term consequences, it can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. In order to better understand what is Diabetes?, let's examine its causes, symptoms,and treatment options.
What is Diabetes?
In diabetes, high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood are caused by an inability to produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream so that they can be used as energy.
Diabetes can be divided into two types:
Type 1
The pancreas does not produce insulin or works less in type 1 diabetes. It is a chronic condition in which the pancreas is deficient. Insulin is a hormone. Insulin allows sugar ( glucose) to enter body cells for energy production. As a result, Type-1 diabetes patients produce little or no insulin in their bodies.
Type 2
In Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, or the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs.
Symptoms of diabetes vary according to the type and severity of the condition. However, the following symptoms are common:
- Urinating frequently
- Thirst that is excessive
- Tiredness
- Vision blurred
- Wounds and cuts heal slowly
- Weight loss that is unexplained
Diabetes: How is it diagnosed?
A series of blood glucose tests is typically used to diagnose diabetes.
Diabetes tests include:
Fasting Blood Glucose Test :
After fasting overnight, this test measures blood glucose levels.
Test for A1C:
Over the past three months, this test measures the average level of blood glucose.
Test for Oral Glucose Tolerance:
The purpose of this test is to measure the body's ability to process glucose after consuming a sugary beverage.
Diabetes Treatment Options:
Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications.
Diabetes can be treated in a variety of ways, including:
Treatment with Insulin:
To regulate blood glucose levels, insulin is injected into the body.
Medications Taken Orally:
In addition to helping the body use insulin more effectively, these medications also increase insulin production in the pancreas.
Changes in Lifestyle:
Diabetes can be managed by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Symptoms of Diabetes You Should Know
We want to help you understand the symptoms of diabetes as a leading provider of diabetes education and support. In order to manage your diabetes effectively, it is important to recognize the symptoms of diabetes, whether you have it or know someone who does.
Urination on a Regular Basis
A frequent urination, especially at night, could indicate that you have diabetes. As a result, you may need to urinate more frequently when your blood sugar levels are high because the kidneys must work harder to remove the excess sugar from the blood.
Thirst Increase
It may be a sign of diabetes if you always feel thirsty, even when you drink plenty of fluids, because high blood sugar levels can cause dehydration.
Tiredness
You may feel tired all the time even when you're getting enough sleep. This is because high blood sugar levels can make it difficult for your body to convert glucose into energy.
Vision Blurred
You may experience blurry vision if you have diabetes. This is because high blood sugar levels can cause your eye's lens to swell, making it difficult for you to focus.
Healing Takes Time
Diabetes can affect your body's ability to heal itself if your cuts or bruises take a long time to heal.
Numbness or Tingling
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves in your extremities, which can cause tingling or numbness in your hands and feet.
Skin That is Dry
Itchy, dry skin could be a sign of diabetes because high blood sugar levels can dehydrate your skin.
Infections That Recur
Diabetes can cause recurring infections, including yeast infections and urinary tract infections. This is because high blood sugar levels create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
Weight Loss That is Unexplained
High blood sugar levels can cause your body to burn fat and muscle for energy if you are losing weight without trying.
An Increase in Hunger
A feeling of constant hunger, even when eating regularly, may be a symptom of diabetes. This is because high blood sugar levels can make it difficult for your body to use insulin properly.
A Health Physician can conduct tests to determine if you have diabetes and develop a treatment plan to manage your diabetes properly if you're experiencing any of these symptoms.
Conclusion
Diabetics can have serious long-term health consequences if they are not managed with the proper treatment and lifestyle changes. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is essential to collaborate closely with a healthcare provider to create an individualized plan. Taking charge of your diabetes and making healthy choices will help you lead a full and active life. Becoming aware of the warning signs of diabetes is also a major part of controlling the disease; knowing them will enable you to receive the appropriate care for successful management.