Diabetes is a term which actually refers to a group of metabolic diseases that affect your body’s glucose levels. Glucose is a monosaccharide, commonly known as sugar, which is an indispensable energy source for both your muscle cells and tissues. Even your brain has lot’s to gain from it.
No matter the type of diabetes, they all concern the glucose levels. Normally, insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas, controls these levels. However, people who suffer from diabetes don’t produce insulin or, if they do, it is insufficient or above their body’s need. This leads to what is known as hyperglycemia.
Because diabetes is a chronic medical condition the diseases can be perfectly controlled with adequate care but, not cured. Those who have prediabetes (higher than normal glucose levels, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes) can potentially be cured. Moreover, pregnant women can also suffer from a form of diabetes called “gestational diabetes” which usually disappears after the baby is born.
In ancient times, diabetes was associated with drastic muscle lossand ” sweet urine”. “Sweet urine” happens when, because of the increased level of sugar in the blood, glucose passes into your urine, thus the term fits perfectly from a scientific point of view.
What types of diabetes are there?
The main two types of diabetes are called type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile-onset diabetes, is actually an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. In this case, insulin is produced in insignificant quantities or not at all. Furthermore, it is believed that type 1 diabetes is mostly genetically inherited but further research is to be done.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is also called both adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes. Almost 90% of those who have diabetes fall under this category. Patients with type 2 diabetes produce insulin but, in an inadequate quantity compared to their bodies needs. In most cases the pancreas produces much more insulin than needed.
A particularity of the type 2 diabetes is the lack of response from the body’s cells to insulin.
Most people who suffer from this condition are in their 30′s or above though, in recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the number of teenagers diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
This form of diabetes is also connected to the genetic inheritance though, there are many other decisive factors like obesity. It seems that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, for both child and adult, is proportional to the degree of obesity.
What are the diabetes symptoms?
While the symptoms of type 1 diabetes are sudden and rather powerful, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are mild and may not even be noticed for as much as a few years.
The most common symptoms are:
- increased thirst ( because the high glucose level in the urine increases urine output your body becomes dehydrated faster)
- frequent urination ( especially at night)
- fatigue
- nausea and/or vomiting
- infections of the bladder, vaginal areas or skin
- drowsiness
- blurred vision ( because of fluctuation in blood glucose levels – in some cases high levels can even lead to lethargy or coma)
- tingling sensation or numbness ( in the hands or feet)
- weight loss ( despite an increase in appetite)
Can diabetes be prevented?
Unfortunately, since scientist still haven’t discovered any cogent cause for type 1 diabetes there is no certain way to avoid it. On the other hand, in type 2 diabetes, since overweight plays a crucial role, there are a few recommended lifestyle changes that can make a big difference :
- weight loss ( reduces hypertension, lowers insulin resistance)
- constant physical activity
- a healthy, balanced diet
- no smoking (smoking increases insulin resistance)
- a normal sleeping pattern ( between 7-9 hours of sleep)
How do you treat diabetes?
Diabetes treatment varies depending on the type and the person itself.
Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, diabetic diet andexercise whereas type 2 initially targets weight loss then a diabetic diet and lots of exercise. Because both weight loss and exercise increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, they are crucial to controlling diabetes. However, if these fail to bring the wanted results, oral medication can also be added. In some cases insulin administration may be necessary.
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