What is Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the amount of sugar in your blood becomes too high. This happens because your body lacks a substance called insulin, which acts like a key to help sugar enter your cells for energy. This can be due to your body not producing enough insulin or your insulin not working properly. The sugar that causes this comes from the food you eat, and it's what your body uses for energy.When sugar is in your blood, insulin helps guide it to where it's needed. If there isn't enough insulin, the sugar remains in your blood, and that's not healthy. If this situation continues, it can lead to problems like heart troubles, nerve damage, and issues with your eyes.
Diabetes is a condition that stays with you, but you can control it using medications and by adjusting your lifestyle. Another kind of diabetes, known as diabetes insipidus, is more uncommon and not the same as the previous type. Both conditions can make you very thirsty and cause frequent urination, but they have differences.
1. Type 2 diabetes: Your body doesn't use insulin well, and sometimes doesn't make enough. It's common in adults, but kids can get it too.
2. Prediabetes: Blood sugar is high but not too high. It's a warning sign before Type 2 diabetes.
3. Type 1 diabetes: Your immune system attacks the insulin-making cells. Mostly in kids and young adults, but anyone can get it.
4. Gestational diabetes: Happens during pregnancy. Usually goes away after, but raises risk of Type 2 diabetes later.
Other types are:
5. Type 3c diabetes: Pancreas damage causes it. From things like pancreatitis or cancer.
6. LADA: Like Type 1, but slower. Usually after 30.
7. MODY: Genetic change affects insulin. Runs in families.
8. Neonatal diabetes: Rare, in babies. Can be lifelong or go away.
9. Brittle diabetes: Severe ups and downs in blood sugar. Rare and needs special treatment.
Diabetes is a common problem. In the U.S., around 11 out of 100 people have it, which is about 37.3 million folks. The most common kind is Type 2 diabetes, which makes up about 90% to 95% of all diabetes cases.
Worldwide, about 537 million grown-ups have diabetes. Experts think this number might go up to 643 million by 2030 and even more, to 783 million by 2045.
The signs of diabetes include:
- Being very thirsty and having a dry mouth.
- Needing to pee a lot.
- Feeling tired.
- Not seeing clearly.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Hands or feet feeling strange or tingly.
- Cuts and sores taking a long time to get better.
- Getting infections on the skin or in private areas.
Remember, if you or your child notice these signs, it's important to talk to a doctor.
For the different types of diabetes:
- Type 1: Symptoms show up quickly in a few weeks or months. There's a serious kind called DKA that brings vomiting, tummy pain, fruity breath, and hard breathing.
- Type 2 and prediabetes: Symptoms can be slow or not noticed. High blood sugar might show up when you do regular tests. Darkened skin in some areas could also be a clue.
- Gestational diabetes: You might not feel the symptoms. Doctors often check for it between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Diabetes is like having too much sugar in your blood. But the reasons why your blood sugar is high are not the same for all types of diabetes.
Here's what can cause diabetes:
1.Trouble with Insulin: In Type 2 diabetes, the body's cells don't really listen to insulin. This might be because of being overweight, not moving around much, the food you eat, what runs in your family, or even certain medicines.
2.Immune System Issues: Type 1 diabetes and LADA are because the body's defense system attacks the insulin-making cells in the pancreas.
3.Changing Hormones: When someone is pregnant, certain hormones can make the body less responsive to insulin. This can lead to gestational diabetes. Other problems with hormones, like acromegaly and Cushing syndrome, can cause Type 2 diabetes.
4.Pancreas Gets Hurt: If something hurts the pancreas, like surgery or an injury, it might not be able to make enough insulin. That's what happens in Type 3c diabetes.
5.Genes Acting Up: Some changes in your genes can bring about MODY and neonatal diabetes.
6.Certain Medicines: A few medicines, like those for HIV/AIDS or corticosteroids, can up the chances of getting Type 2 diabetes.
So, even though high blood sugar is the common thing in all types of diabetes, what's causing it can be different based on which type of diabetes it is.
Having diabetes can lead to both immediate and long-term problems. These issues mainly happen because of very high levels of sugar in the blood, whether for a short time or a long time.
Immediate problems that need fast attention are:
1.Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state(HHS):
This can occur when blood sugar is super high, leading to severe dehydration and confusion. It's more common in Type 2 diabetes and requires quick medical care.
2.Diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA): Mainly affecting Type 1 diabetes or undiagnosed T1D, this happens when the body can't use sugar for energy and starts breaking down fat, making the blood too acidic. It can lead to labored breathing, vomiting, and even loss of consciousness. Immediate medical help is a must.
3.Severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): This occurs when blood sugar goes too low, which is dangerous. Signs include blurred vision, confusion, and seizures. People on insulin are more at risk. It needs emergency treatment.
Long-term problems happen when high blood sugar damages your body over time. This mostly affects your blood vessels and nerves, which support your body parts.
Common long-term issues are:
- Heart and blood vessel problems, like heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and narrowed blood vessels.
- Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, and pain.
- Kidney issues that could lead to failure and require dialysis or a transplant.
- Eye problems that could lead to blindness.
- Foot problems, even leading to amputations.
- Skin infections.
- Sexual issues due to damaged nerves and blood vessels.
- Stomach problems.
- Hearing loss.
- Oral health problems, like gum disease.
- Mental health concerns, as people with diabetes are more likely to have depression.
It's important to manage diabetes well to lower the risk of these problems.
Diabetes is a complex condition, but managing it involves a few main strategies. Since diabetes affects everyone differently, the way you manage it will be tailored just for you.
Here are the main things to do:
1.Check Blood Sugar:Monitoring your blood sugar levels is crucial. It helps you see how well your treatment plan is working. You can do this with a glucose meter that checks your blood from your finger, or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that gives you ongoing info. Your doctor will help you set a target range for your blood sugar.
2.Medications: If you have Type 2 diabetes, oral medications (pills) might help control your blood sugar. People with Type 1 diabetes and some Type 2 diabetes might need insulin. There are different kinds of insulin, and how you take it depends on your needs.
3.Eating Right: What you eat affects your blood sugar. So, planning your meals and making healthy choices matters a lot. If you take insulin, you might need to count how many carbs you eat, as carbs impact insulin needs. Eating well can also help you control your weight and lower heart disease risk.
4. Exercise: Being active makes your body respond better to insulin, which is important for diabetes management. Regular exercise is helpful for everyone with diabetes.
Also, to keep your heart healthy, pay attention to:
- Your weight.
- Blood pressure.
- Cholesterol levels.
Remember, each person's diabetes is unique, so your doctor will help you make a plan that's ju st right for you.
Certainly! To prevent certain types of diabetes, like Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, here's what you can do:
1. Eat a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet.
2. Stay physically active, aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days.
3. Achieve a healthy weight for your body.
4. Manage stress effectively.
5. Limit alcohol consumption.
6. Prioritize adequate sleep (around 7 to 9 hours) and treat sleep issues.
7. Quit smoking.
8. Take prescribed medications to manage risk factors for heart disease.
However, it's important to remember that some factors like genetics, age, and race can't be changed. Type 2 diabetes is complex and has multiple causes.
As for the prognosis of diabetes:
- Your outlook varies depending on the type of diabetes, how well you manage it, your age, other health conditions, and whether complications develop.
- High blood sugar can lead to irreversible complications.
- Studies show that untreated high blood sugar can shorten lifespan and decrease quality of life.
- Diabetes is a significant cause of heart attacks and strokes.
- But with proper management, including lifestyle changes, exercise, diet, and monitoring blood sugar levels, you can lead a healthy life with diabetes. Consistently keeping your A1c levels below 7% can reduce the risk of complications. Absolutely! Here's when you should consider seeing your healthcare provider in relation to diabetes:
1.If you haven't been diagnosed with diabetes: If you're experiencing symptoms like increased thirst and frequent urination, it's important to see a healthcare provider for evaluation.
2.If you have diabetes: Regularly visit your healthcare provider who specializes in managing diabetes, such as an endocrinologist. They will help you keep your condition in check and provide guidance.
Remember, a diabetes diagnosis is a significant change, but it doesn't mean you can't lead a fulfilling life. Consistent care is crucial. Initially, it might be overwhelming, but with time, you'll become better at managing the condition and understanding your body. Keep in mind that managing diabetes is a team effort involving medical professionals, friends, and family. Don't hesitate to seek help when you need it.
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