Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar) which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. The most common types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. In Type 2 Diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, forcing the pancreas to make more. Over time it can’t make enough to keep the blood glucose at normal levels.
Sometimes diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy is actually type 2 diabetes. Other types of diabetes, resulting from specific genetic conditions, surgery, medications, infections, pancreatic diseases, and other illnesses, constitute 1% to 5% of all diagnosed cases. Education about diabetes and its treatment is essential in all types of diabetes.
Common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and increased thirst. These symptoms develop rapidly in type 1 https://bestdietarysupplementfordiabetics.com/ while in type 2, they develop gradually and are not as noticeable. Some people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all and are diagnosed unexpectedly as a result of a routine health check-up.
Long-term complications of diabetes develop gradually. The longer you have diabetes — and the less controlled your blood sugar — the higher the risk of complications. Complications may include cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage (nephropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), foot damage, skin and mouth conditions, pregnancy complications, and other complications such as hearing impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Managing diabetes requires keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Controlling blood glucose can prevent or delay the onset of complications. Management includes regular physical exercise, following a healthy eating plan, losing weight if overweight, avoiding smoking, taking prescribed medicines, and controlling and monitoring blood glucose levels. Regular check-ups and screening for complications are fundamental elements of good diabetes care.
Diagnosis of diabetes is by blood tests which measure glucose levels in the blood. There is currently no known cure for diabetes, however, it can be controlled and complications can be prevented. Balanced diet, physical activity, and lower stress are the basic steps for managing diabetes. It’s also essential that people with diabetes receive ongoing patient education and regular professional review of their clinical and self-care abilities and practices, to ensure the disease is being managed effectively.
In conclusion, diabetes is a life-long disease that occurs as a result of the body’s inability to use or produce insulin effectively. It requires lifelong management to prevent complications. Through education about the comprehensive management of this condition, patients can enjoy a good quality of life.