Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your body cannot properly produce or use insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. Understanding diabetes is crucial because unmanaged blood sugar can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
Learn more about Insulin Resistance and how it affects your weight HERE
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar is impaired. Normally, insulin helps glucose from food enter your cells to provide energy. When insulin is insufficient or your body cannot use it effectively, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
There are three main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough. Often linked to lifestyle and genetics.
- Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Common signs that may indicate diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, so some people may have the condition without noticeable symptoms. Early detection is key to preventing complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of diabetes vary depending on the type:
- Type 1 Diabetes: Believed to be triggered by genetic and environmental factors that cause the immune system to attack insulin-producing cells.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Often caused by obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and family history. Insulin resistance gradually develops.
- Gestational Diabetes: Triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, often affecting women with higher risk factors like obesity or family history.
Other risk factors include age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle.
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Doctors use several tests to diagnose diabetes:
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood glucose after an overnight fast.
- HbA1c Test: Provides an average blood sugar level over 2–3 months.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary solution.
Regular screenings are especially important for those with risk factors, as early intervention can prevent complications.
Managing Diabetes
Managing diabetes involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and monitoring:
- Healthy Diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and controlled portions of carbohydrates.
- Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
- Medication: Insulin injections or oral medications may be prescribed depending on the type and severity.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regularly checking blood sugar helps maintain levels within a safe range.
- Stress Management: Stress can affect blood sugar, so practices like meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep are helpful.
Complications of Diabetes
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Eye damage (retinopathy)
- Foot problems and infections
Proper management of blood sugar levels can significantly reduce the risk of these complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition with no insulin production, often diagnosed in youth. Type 2 is insulin resistance, often linked to lifestyle factors, and usually develops in adulthood.
2. Can diabetes be reversed?
Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed or put into remission with diet, exercise, and weight loss. Type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed, but can be managed with insulin therapy.
3. What foods should people with diabetes avoid?
Sugary drinks, processed foods, refined carbs, and excessive saturated fats should be limited. Focus on high-fiber, low-glycemic foods.
4. How often should blood sugar be checked?
Frequency depends on the type and treatment. People on insulin may check several times a day, while others may test less often under a doctor’s guidance.
5. Is diabetes hereditary?
Family history increases risk, especially for Type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle factors play a major role.