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April 17, 2025

Diabetes: Understanding the Disease and Managing It

 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes glucose (sugar), which is a vital source of energy. Normally, insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells for energy. In diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.

 Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes:

  • The body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

  • Requires insulin therapy.

Type 2 Diabetes:

  • The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough.

  • Often managed with lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin.

Gestational Diabetes:

  • Occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth.

  • Increases risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

 

Symptoms of Diabetes

  • Frequent urination.

  • Excessive thirst.

  • Increased hunger.

  • Fatigue or tiredness.

  • Blurry vision.

  • Slow-healing cuts or wounds.

  • Unexplained weight loss (Type 1).

  • Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (Type 2).

 

Causes and Risk Factors

Type 1 Diabetes:

  • Exact cause unknown, but thought to be related to autoimmune reactions.

Type 2 Diabetes:

  • Obesity or being overweight.

  • Lack of physical activity.

  • Poor diet, high in sugars and unhealthy fats.

  • Family history of diabetes.

  • Age (risk increases over 45).

  • Ethnicity (higher risk in certain ethnic groups).

Screening and Diagnostic Tests

Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
Measures blood glucose after an overnight fast.

  • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL.

  • Pre-diabetes: 100–125 mg/dL.

  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test:

  • Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary drink.

  • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after the drink.

Hemoglobin A1c Test (HbA1c):

  • Reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.

  • Normal: Below 5.7%.

  • Pre-diabetes: 5.7%–6.4%.

  • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher.

Complications of Untreated Diabetes

  • Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, strokes).

  • Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy).

  • Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).

  • Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy, blindness).

  • Foot problems (poor circulation leading to infections and possible amputations).

Treatment Options

Type 1 Diabetes:

  • Daily insulin injections or use of an insulin pump.

  • Regular blood sugar monitoring.

Type 2 Diabetes:

  • Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight management.

  • Oral medications to improve blood sugar control.

  • Insulin therapy may be required in some cases.

Gestational Diabetes:

  • Healthy eating and physical activity.

  • Blood sugar monitoring.

  • Insulin may be needed if blood sugar levels are not well-controlled.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Diabetes

Healthy Diet:

  • Focus on whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

  • Limit sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.

Physical Activity:

  • Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.

  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

Weight Management:

  • Losing even a small amount of weight can improve blood sugar control, especially in type 2 diabetes.

Regular Monitoring:

  • Keep track of your blood sugar levels with home testing devices.

  • Work closely with your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Preventing Diabetes

  • Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.

  • Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbs.

  • Engage in regular physical activity.

  • Get regular health check-ups to monitor blood sugar levels, especially if you have risk factors.

 

For more information or to schedule a diabetes check-up, contact us at 8007444

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