Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to a lack of insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin effectively. In this article, we will discuss the facts about diabetes, including its understanding, symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body uses glucose or sugar. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body's cells. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose from the bloodstream enter the cells to provide energy. In diabetes, either the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, or the body's cells don't respond to insulin effectively. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Kinds of Diabetes
In general, we know two types of diabetes, namely type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The fact is not only 2 types of diabetes, but there are some that we need to know, namely:
1. Prediabetes
As the name implies, pre-diabetes is the stage that goes through before
the diabetes phase. A person's blood sugar levels at this stage range
from 100 mg / dL to 125 mg / dL (by checking fasting blood sugar).
The pre-diabetes phase is triggered, among others, by a daily diet that is high in sugar, high in calories, high in fat, and lacking in fiber. Rarely moving and exercising are also additional contributing factors. Someone in the pre-diabetes phase begins to experience insulin resistance, so that sugar levels in the bloodstream increase. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar metabolism. If not anticipated, the pre-diabetes phase can be diabetes which is very prone to complications of various dangerous diseases.
Pre-diabetes can be cured, unlike diabetes, which until now has not been cured. So, not all people who are declared to have prediabetes will definitely get diabetes. Even so, you also have to be vigilant. Because, prediabetes is a warning that you have a high risk of developing diabetes.
People who have prediabetes don't need drugs to control their blood sugar. Usually, doctors will ask patients to change their lifestyle to be healthier, so that their blood sugar becomes more controlled.
2. Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs because the patient's immune system attacks and
destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. This results in an
increase in blood glucose levels, resulting in damage to body organs.
Type 1 diabetes is also known as autoimmune diabetes. The trigger for
this autoimmune condition is still unknown. The strongest guess is
caused by genetic factors of patients who are also influenced by
environmental factors.
This one diabetes mellitus is also often known as insulin dependent diabetes. This naming refers to the association of this type of diabetes with the body's inability to produce insulin.
At present, type 1 diabetes can only be treated using insulin, with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels through a blood testing monitor. The basic treatment for type 1 diabetes, even for the earliest stages, is insulin replacement. Without insulin, ketosis and diabetic ketoacidosis can cause coma and can even lead to death. Emphasis is also given on adjusting lifestyle (diet and exercise).
However, it should be understood that giving insulin therapy may be different for each person. The amount of insulin you will need every day will depend on various factors including your diet, physical activity level, and how severe your diabetes is. Compared to type 2 diabetes, this type of diabetes is indeed fairly less common. However, this condition can occur at any age, especially children and adolescents.
3. Type 2 diabetes
This is the type of diabetes with the highest number of patients. Type 2
diabetes can occur at any age. In type 2 diabetes, your body still
produces the hormone insulin but the amount is small. This makes the
body unable to use insulin to process blood sugar into energy
effectively. In medical terms this condition is called insulin
resistance.
About 90-95% of people with diabetes in the world suffer from this type of diabetes. In general, this type of diabetes can affect anyone at any age. However, type 2 diabetes is usually more likely to occur in adults and the elderly because of lifestyle factors.
4. Gestational diabetes
This disease usually occurs during the pregnancy process, which then
disappears after giving birth. However, this condition can also occur in
a woman, even though she has given birth.
Gestational diabetes is not deadly, but high risk makes it difficult for the mother during labor. Some conditions such as high blood pressure and eclampsia haunt mothers who have gestational diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes vary depending on the type of diabetes and the individual's age, sex, and overall health. The common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Hunger pangs
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing wounds
- Numbness or tingling sensation in hands or feet
- Unexplained weight loss
Causes of Diabetes
The causes of diabetes vary depending on the type of diabetes. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs when the body's cells become resistant to insulin, or the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and a family history of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body's insulin resistance increases. Women who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Prevention of Diabetes
The best way to prevent diabetes is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Get regular health check-ups, especially if you have a family history of diabetes.
Treatment of Diabetes
The treatment of diabetes varies depending on the type of diabetes and the individual's overall health. Treatment options for diabetes include:
- Insulin therapy: for people with type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is essential to control blood sugar levels.
- Oral medications: for people with type 2 diabetes, oral medications may be prescribed to lower blood sugar levels.
- Lifestyle changes: making healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and weight management can help improve blood sugar levels.
- Blood sugar monitoring: regular blood sugar monitoring is essential for people with diabetes to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
In conclusion, diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment of diabetes can help individuals take the necessary steps to manage their condition and lead a healthy life. By making healthy lifestyle choices and working with healthcare professionals, people with diabetes can successfully manage their blood sugar levels and prevent complications associated with diabetes.