Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin is impaired, leading to high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells use glucose for energy. When diabetes is uncontrolled, excess sugar in the blood can damage blood vessels and nerves, affecting the heart, kidneys, and other parts of the body, and potentially leading to serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure.

Symptoms of Diabetes:

• Polydipsia: Increased thirst
• Polyuria: Frequent urination
• Polyphagia: Increased hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue: Feeling easily tired
• Blurred vision: Due to high blood sugar levels
• Frequent infections and slow wound healing
  
  

Types of Diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus – IDDM):
   • Often due to genetic predisposition.
   • The body does not produce insulin and requires insulin therapy.
     
     
2. Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus – NIDDM):
   • Common in people who are overweight (BMI > 25), have a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, a family history of diabetes, or are over age 45.
   • The body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively.
     
     
3. Prediabetes:
   • A condition that often precedes Type 2 diabetes, usually developing after age 45.
   • Blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
     
     
4. Gestational Diabetes:
   • Occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, though it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
     
     
     

Complications from Uncontrolled Diabetes:

• Cardiovascular Disease:
  • Increased risk of heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and strokes.
• Nephropathy (Kidney Damage):
  • Can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis if diabetes remains uncontrolled.
• Neuropathy (Nerve Damage):
  • Causes symptoms like tingling, numbness, or burning pain in the hands and feet.
• Chronic Skin and Foot Infections:
  • Due to poor blood circulation and nerve damage, making wound healing slower.
• Retinopathy (Eye Damage):
  • Damage to the blood vessels in the eyes that can lead to blindness.
    
    
    

Diagnosis of Diabetes:

• Hemoglobin A1C (Glycated Hemoglobin Test):
  • Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
• Fasting Blood Sugar:
  • Blood sugar level measured after not eating for at least 8 hours.
• Postprandial Blood Sugar:
  • Blood sugar level measured 2–2.5 hours after a meal.
• Glucose Tolerance Test:
  • Measures how well your body processes glucose.
    
    
    

Treatment of Diabetes:

1. Healthy Diet:
   • A diet recommended by a dietician to control blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight.
     
     
2. Regular Exercise:
   • Cardio exercises like walking or swimming can improve blood sugar control.
     
     
3. Home Blood Sugar Monitoring:
   • Regularly checking blood sugar levels to manage diabetes effectively.
     
     
4. Medications:
   • Oral hypoglycemic agents: Metformin, Glyburide, and others help manage Type 2 diabetes.
   • Insulin therapy: Essential for Type 1 diabetes and sometimes required for Type 2 diabetes.
     
     
5. Pancreas Transplant:
   • Considered in some patients with Type 1 diabetes.
     
     
6. Bariatric Surgery:
   • Weight-loss surgery can improve or resolve diabetes, especially in people who are severely overweight.
     
     
7. Stress Management:
   • Chronic stress can raise blood sugar levels. Practicing relaxation techniques, setting limits, and getting plenty of sleep are crucial to managing stress and controlling blood sugar.
     
     
     

Key Takeaways: Diabetes is a manageable condition with the right lifestyle changes, medications, and regular monitoring. Taking care of your blood sugar levels, staying active, eating healthy, and managing stress can help prevent serious complications and lead to a healthier life. Always consult your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan to manage your diabetes effectively.