In this day and age, more people are being diagnosed with diabetes than ever before. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), as of 2015, 30.3 million Americans – 9.4% of the population – have diabetes and this number continues to grow. Now the question is what is Diabetes? Many people may already know what Diabetes is so check your knowledge here with a comprehensive guide to diabetes.
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What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects how your body uses glucose or blood sugar. It is a group of diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels. Glucose is your main source of energy, and it comes from the food you eat. Your blood sugar levels rise too high when you have diabetes.
Further, It is a condition that occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to convert food into energy.
Types of Diabetes
There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
a.) Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. It results when the body’s immune system destroys the cells that make insulin in the pancreas. Untreated, type 1 diabetes can lead to serious health problems. Treatment involves taking insulin injections, making lifestyle changes, and regularly checking your blood sugar levels.
b.) Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body processes blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is vital to your health because it’s the main source of energy for the muscles and tissues that make up your body. But if you have type 2 diabetes, your body either doesn’t make or use insulin properly and can cause blood sugar levels to become too high. Over time, this can damage your organs, including your heart, kidneys, and eyes.
c.) Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that is found in pregnant women. It usually develops during the second trimester of pregnancy, but can sometimes show up earlier. It happens when the woman’s body can’t make enough insulin to meet the needs of the baby. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, but sometimes it may stay with the mother and increase her risk for developing type 2 diabetes later on. If Gestational Diabetes is left untreated, it can cause problems for both the mother and baby.
Symptoms of Diabetes
There are a lot of different diabetes symptoms that people can experience that you should be aware of. Some people may not even know they have diabetes because the symptoms can be so mild. The symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, and fatigue.
One of the most common diabetes symptoms is feeling very tired all the time. If you’re feeling exhausted and like you can’t get out of bed no matter how much you sleep, it could be a sign that you have diabetes.
Another common symptom is extreme thirst. If you’re constantly having to drink water and your mouth feels dry all the time, it could be a sign that your blood sugar is too high.
There are other, more serious symptoms of diabetes that you should be aware of. These include blurred vision, sores that do not heal, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and chest pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
Complications of Diabetes
There are many complications that can arise from diabetes. The most common complication is nerve damage, which can cause you to lose feeling in your feet or legs. This can make it difficult to notice if you have a wound on your foot, and it can also lead to infection.
Other common complications include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels and take steps to prevent these complications.
Also Read: The Top 10 Worst Foods To Eat If You’re Trying To Lose Weight
Treatment for Diabetes
There are three common treatments for diabetes: lifestyle changes, oral medications, and insulin injections.
a.) Lifestyle changes involve making changes to your diet and exercise habits. This is the most effective treatment for type 2 diabetes, and can sometimes help people with type 1 diabetes.
b.) Oral medications are taken by mouth and help the body to use insulin more effectively. They include pills, tablets, and capsules.
c.) Insulin injections are given by a healthcare professional using a needle and syringe. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to use glucose from food as energy.
Diabetes Prevention
In the United States, 30.3 million people, or 9.4% of the population, have diabetes. Some people may think that they are not at risk for diabetes, but the fact is that anyone can get the disease. Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems.
So what can we do to prevent diabetes? There are several things that we can do to prevent diabetes. We can eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. We can also get regular checkups and screenings to make sure that we are not at risk for diabetes.
Resources for People with Diabetes
There are many online resources for people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) website is a good starting point. It has information on all aspects of diabetes, from diagnosis to treatment and care.
The ADA website also has a section on lifestyle, which includes recipes, meal planning tips, and physical activity advice. Other useful resources include the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) website.
The Bottom Line
Diabetes is a serious disease that can have a big impact on one’s life. People with diabetes have to make a lot of lifestyle changes in order to manage their blood sugar levels. In addition to following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, they need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and take medication as prescribed. If you or someone you know has diabetes, please share this information with them. You can also find more health blogs on our website or by following us on social media.