Decoding Diabetes: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Management
Do you also believe that diabetes is caused by eating sugar? I am sorry to break your bubble but it is not true. In fact, diabetes is a metabolic condition depending on how your body processes the sugar you eat, and how you control the sugar level in your blood. It is also known as sugar in day-to-day life.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that interferes with the body’s ability to create and utilise insulin. Insulin is released by your body when it converts the food you eat into energy that helps you do basic routine tasks. You will have too much sugar in your blood if you produce low or no insulin or if you are insulin-resistant. High blood sugar levels scares many of us but what if I tell you that there’s nothing to be scared about? In this blog, we’ll have a closer look at the types of diabetes, symptoms, and causes and also discuss tips about how you can manage it.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Over 400 million people currently have this chronic metabolic disease. It has become a global concern now. Its symptoms can easily be overlooked or attributed to other health factors. Let’s understand the most common symptoms:
1. Excessive fatigue
High blood sugar level causes unusual fatigue, impacting energy levels, and leaving individuals persistently tired. Even after adequate rest, if you find yourself exhausted, visit a Diabetologist. Criticare Lifeline Hospital has a best diabetology department in panvel that caters to your specific health requirements from nutritional counselling to psychological support, depending on your symptoms.
2. Frequent urination
If you are using restrooms more frequently than usual, it may be a concerning sign. It happens because the body’s capacity to control blood sugar levels is affected. Do not ignore the initial signs to manage blood sugar level in the long run.
3. Unexpected loss of weight
Another sign of affected blood sugar level is weight loss without any significant dietary or exercise changes. It happens because the body breaks down fat and muscle for energy. If you notice shredding kilos unexpectedly, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
4. Excessive thirst and hunger
Increased hunger and thirst are some of the first signs of high blood sugar levels. If you notice you are reaching for water more frequently than usual and your appetite seems to be insatiable, do not ignore the signs.
5. Blurred vision
The blood sugar levels affect the eyes as well. Difficulty in focusing or blurred vision is a sign of high blood sugar levels.
6. Slow healing wounds
The body’s natural healing process is affected by elevated blood sugar levels. If you notice that your cuts and wounds are taking longer than usual to heal, this might be a concerning sign.
7. Tingling and numbness
Diabetes leads to nerve damage, causing tingling sensations and numbness. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you are feeling these sensations.
Types of Diabetes
High blood sugar levels are categorised into primary and secondary kinds: The primary kinds are:
Type 1, an autoimmune disease;
Type 2, related to lifestyle choices;
Gestational, which happens during pregnancy;
Monogenic, which is brought on by a particular genetic changes;
Other medical disorders cause the secondary.
Type 1 Diabetes
This is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. Around 10% of diabetic people have Type 1 diabetes. Genetic factors and environmental triggers may contribute to this type. It can develop at any age but is usually found in children and young adults.
Symptoms:
Fruity-smelling breath;
Excessive thirst;
Unexplained weight loss;
Blurred vision;
Extreme hunger;
Unusual Fatigue;
Mood Swings and Irritability.
Type 2 Diabetes
In this type, the body doesn’t make enough insulin or your body’s cells don’t respond normally to insulin. It is mainly associated with lifestyle factors such as poor diet, sedentary behaviour, and obesity. It mainly affects adults but children can be affected as well.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms:
Increased thirst and urination;
Constant tiredness;
Itchy skin and frequent infections;
Slow healing wounds;
Dark patches on the skin.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy when the body struggles to produce enough insulin. While it may resolve postpartum, it requires careful and consistent monitoring and management during pregnancy, such as dietary changes, exercise and sometimes insulin are the treatments needed.
Signs Of Diabetes In Women
Men and women experience varied symptoms for this particular disease. A woman’s blood sugar level might be affected by varying hormone imbalances due to menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Knowing the particular symptoms of diabetes in women makes it possible to fresh interventions to meet their unique health needs in different phases of life.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnostic Tests:
If you notice symptoms of high blood sugar levels, diabetes tests at different times of the day are recommended.The various diabetes tests are:
Glucometer: It can be used to monitor blood sugar levels at home by a small drop of blood obtained by pricking a finger.
Urine Dipstick Test: The test is primarily used to detect the presence of glucose and ketones in the urine. Usually, there should be no glucose in the urine. The presence of glucose in the urine may indicate elevated blood sugar levels.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: It is an essential diagnostic test for diabetes and identifying any abnormality in glucose metabolism. The test begins immediately after 8 hours of fasting. Blood samples are taken at intervals of 1-2 hours after drinking the glucose solution.
Management
Glucose Monitor: As often as your doctor advises, monitor your glucose levels at home. Testing your sugar levels consistently helps you and your doctor understand how well your medications are functioning, and how your diabetic diet and exercise routines affect your glucose levels. Consult your doctor to determine what’s best for you.
Diabetic Diet: The increased blood sugar levels can be managed by adding fibres to the diet. Each meal must have a balanced amount of carbs, proteins, and fats. Include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and sugar-free treats over refined grain products.
Medication: Diet and exercise alone are insufficient for treating your diabetes, insulin and other diabetes drugs are intended to lower your blood sugar levels. Your blood sugar levels may be impacted by medicines you take for illnesses other than diabetes. It is advisable to consult your doctor to get the doses and the timings right.
Exercise: Doing 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, using an exercise bike, or swimming at least five days a week is advisable.
Conclusion
There are several measures you can take to manage your blood sugar levels. Consult your healthcare specialist at Criticare Lifeline Hospital, the best multispeciality hospital in Panvel. Early detection of diabetes can lead to more successful treatment and management. Your chances of living a healthy life increase with how well you can control your blood sugar level. To manage your blood sugar levels, you need to make lifestyle modifications, such as managing your weight, stress levels, sleep quality, exercising, being hydrated and diet modifications.
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