What is DIABETES?

 

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Normally, digestion breaks down food into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. The pancreas responds by producing insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter cells to be used for energy.

 

In people with diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to high blood glucose levels, which can cause damage to organs and tissues over time.'

 

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1, where the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, and Type 2, where the body becomes resistant to insulin. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing of cuts and wounds.

 

It occurs when your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where your body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to survive.
Type 2 Diabetes: A condition where your body's cells become resistant to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter the cells. This type is more common in adults, but can also occur in children and teens.
Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy, typically going away after the baby is born. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Prediabetes: A stage before Type 2 diabetes where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Genetics
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Unhealthy diet
Hormonal imbalances
Certain medications
Pancreatic damage

Symptoms:

Increased thirst and urination
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Unexplained weight loss
Slow-healing sores
Frequent infections

Complications:

Heart disease
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Kidney damage (nephropathy)
Eye problems (retinopathy)
Foot damage

Management and Treatment:

Medications (oral or injectable)
Insulin therapy
Healthy diet and meal planning
Regular physical activity
Blood sugar monitoring (using glucometers or continuous glucose monitors)
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Prevention:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced diet
Engaging in regular physical activity
Managing stress
Limiting alcohol intake
Getting adequate sleep

 

If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, people with diabetes can manage their condition and live healthy lives.

Management typically involves a combination of medication, diet, exercise, and regular blood glucose monitoring. By understanding diabetes and taking proactive steps, individuals can reduce their risk of complications and improve their overall well-being.