Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that is increasingly affecting millions of people worldwide. In 2021, 74.2 million people were reported diabetic across the globe and likely to increase to 124.8 million in 2045.
What then is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. It’s either the body is unable to make insulin or body can’t use the insulin effectively.
Types of Diabetes
There are four types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and without it, the body cannot properly process glucose. Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or early adulthood and requires insulin injections or an insulin pump for treatment.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of all cases. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels properly.
Pre-diabetics occurs when the blood sugar is higher than normal but doesn’t fit the criteria of type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. It usually resolves after giving birth, but women who develop gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms of diabetes
1. Feeling of hunger and thirst too often
2. Weight gain
3. Blurry vision
4. Frequent urination
5. Fatigue
6. Erectile dysfunction in men
7. Urinary tract infection in women
Causes of diabetes
The cause of type 1 diabetes is not yet completely known. Type 2 is caused by lifestyle and diet disorders. Hormonal imbalances can result to gestational diabetes. Other causes are sedentary lifestyle and ageing.
Management of Diabetes
Controlling diabetes is essential to prevent long-term health complications. The primary goals of diabetes management are to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range, prevent complications, and maintain overall health.
Diet:
A healthy diet is critical for managing diabetes. Eating a diet that is low in carbohydrates, saturated fats, and processed foods can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. Foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Exercise:
Regular physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and promote weight loss. Exercise can also help reduce insulin resistance, making it easier for the body to process glucose.
Rest and recreation:
Short walks to improve stamina, gardening are great ways to keep your mind busy.
Medications:
Medications are often used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Oral medications such as metformin and sulfonylureas can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production or reducing insulin resistance. Insulin injections or an insulin pump may be necessary for people with type 1 diabetes or severe cases of type 2 diabetes.
Monitoring:
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is critical for managing diabetes. People with diabetes should test their blood sugar levels regularly and make adjustments to their diet, exercise, or medications as necessary.
Treatment for Diabetes
There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be effectively managed with proper treatment. Treatment options for diabetes include:
Insulin therapy:
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin therapy to survive. Insulin can be administered through injections or an insulin pump.
Oral medications:
Oral medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and DPP-4 inhibitors can help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Bariatric surgery:
Bariatric surgery can be an effective treatment option for people with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes. The surgery can help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications.
Transplantation:
Pancreas or islet cell transplantation may be an option for people with type 1 diabetes who have severe complications or difficulty managing their blood sugar levels.
In conclusion, diabetes is a chronic medical condition that requires lifelong management. A healthy diet, regular exercise, medications, and monitoring are all critical components of diabetes management. Proper management can help prevent long-term complications and maintain overall health. If you are living with diabetes, it is essential to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized
