Diabetes impacts food to energy conversion in the body. The human body converts most of the food into glucose and then releases it into the bloodstream. However, pancreases release insulin into the blood to keep glucose under permissible limits and release blood sugar into cells for energy.
Insufficient insulin production and inefficient insulin use: both contribute to the development of diabetes; without enough insulin, blood sugar increases. Heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure are just a few of the long-term effects of living in such conditions.
Diabetes in India is a major concern, with 8.7% of the 20-70 age group diabetic. Healthy eating, weight loss, and exercise help manage diabetes. Taking medicine as needed, supporting and getting diabetes self-management education, and keeping medical appointments can reduce diabetes’s impact.
Diabetes types
Type 1 Diabetes
In this condition, your immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells; it’s permanent, and it’s unclear what causes the attacks. It may be genetic, environmental, or due to lifestyle issues. However, it is one of the most common types of diabetes in India.
Causes
The autoimmune reaction causes type 1 diabetes. It causes T-cells to attack and kill insulin-producing pancreatic cells. So, the pancreas can’t generate insulin.
A 2017 clinical perspective says people at risk for type 1 diabetes have genetic markers and autoantibodies that target pancreatic cells. Autoantibodies are present in the bodies of 85 to 90% of type 1 diabetics.
Symptoms
- Increased appetite
- Increased urinate
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Increased thirst
Risk factors
- Type 1 diabetic parent or sibling
- Commonly develops in children but may occur at any age
Treatment
Type 1 diabetes treatment involves insulin. People with diabetes must inject insulin daily to regulate blood sugar levels. Regular blood sugar monitoring is crucial, and healthy blood sugar levels prevent or delay diabetes-related problems.
Type 2 diabetes
It is also one of the common types of diabetes in India, and doctors may treat Type 2 diabetes and occasionally reverse it with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Medications can also help control blood sugar. First-line medication is usually metformin, and this drug reduces liver glucose. Doctors may prescribe another medicine if metformin doesn’t work.
Causes
Type 2 diabetes induces insulin resistance. In this, the body doesn’t properly and effectively use the insulin produced by the pancreas, resulting in unusual blood sugar levels. Initially, the pancreas tries to produce more insulin before eventually being unable to keep up and producing less insulin with time. If the pancreas doesn’t create enough insulin, blood glucose levels rise.
Symptoms
Over the years, type 2 diabetes symptoms may develop. Many people have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms that are not noticeable. Because of this, those with risk factors must get a blood test.
Risk factors
- Overweight
- Being 45 or older
- Type 2 diabetic parent or sibling
- Being physically inactive
- Gestational diabetes or delivering a 9-pound baby
Treatment
Treatment includes exercising regularly – weight loss can contribute to treating or controlling diabetes. You should also eat healthy and monitor your blood sugar level regularly. A healthcare professional may suggest medicines that lower the blood sugar level and increase the production of insulin in the body.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and disappears after pregnancy. However, gestational diabetes raises the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Causes
Pregnancy hormones and weight gain reduce insulin use, and insulin resistance raises the body’s insulin needs. This results in insulin resistance.
Gestational diabetes develops when the body can’t create enough insulin to compensate for pregnancy-related insulin resistance.
Symptoms
Some pregnant women experience no symptoms. Doctors diagnose gestational diabetes by examining a woman’s medical history and risk factors.
Risk factors
- Had Gestational diabetes previously
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Family history
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome
Treatment
Treatment for gestational diabetes entails lifestyle changes, including
- Checking blood sugar levels
- Eating a healthy diet
- Being active
- Monitoring the baby during pregnancy
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if diabetes symptoms appear, including rapid weight loss, constant hunger, dry skin, blurry vision, and more. Many diabetics have no symptoms. It’s crucial to know what puts you at risk for diabetes. Anyone having these symptoms needs to see a doctor immediately.
Tests for diabetes
Random blood sugar test
A person may take this test anytime because they don’t have to fast for it. A blood sugar level of 140 mg/dl is considered normal, while a blood sugar level above 200 mg/dl is considered diabetic.
Fasting blood sugar test
It measures overnight fasting blood sugar.
A1C test
This test evaluates 2 to 3-month average blood sugar.
Glucose tolerance test
It monitors blood sugar levels before and after consuming a glucose-containing drink.
Conclusion
Type 1 and 2 diabetes are common types of diabetes. An autoimmune reaction known as type 1 diabetes is unpreventable but can be controlled by lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle factors cause type 2 diabetes, so it’s preventable. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes affecting only pregnant women. There are numerous diabetes risk factors. However, diabetes can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes.
Treatment of diabetes is essential. Untreated diabetes can result in complications. Therefore, everyone with symptoms of type 1 diabetes or risk factors for type 2 or gestational diabetes should visit a doctor.