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Diabetes

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What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). It occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, each with different causes and risk factors.

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Diabetes Symptoms

Symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type but often include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow healing wounds
  • Increased hunger
  • Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (Type 2 Diabetes)

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Causes / Dangers / Complications of Diabetes

  • Causes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is largely influenced by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
  • Dangers: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels and organs over time.
  • Complications: Long term diabetes complications include heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, vision problems (diabetic retinopathy), and an increased risk of infections.

Managing blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular health monitoring is essential in preventing complications associated with diabetes.

Frequently
Asked Questions

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.

Type 2 diabetes, a more common form, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough of it, often associated with lifestyle and genetic factors.

Gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth, though it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms can include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and recurrent infections. Type 2 diabetes may develop gradually and go unnoticed for a long time, while Type 1 diabetes symptoms often appear suddenly.

Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure glucose levels. Common tests include the fasting plasma glucose test, hemoglobin A1C test (which indicates average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months), and oral glucose tolerance test.

The causes vary depending on the type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes results from an autoimmune response where the immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing cells. Type 2 diabetes is influenced by a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity. Gestational diabetes occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy that affect insulin sensitivity.

Management depends on the type of diabetes but generally involves a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, and medication or insulin therapy. For Type 2 diabetes, weight loss and lifestyle changes can often improve blood sugar control. People with diabetes should work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized care plan.

If poorly managed, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye problems (such as diabetic retinopathy), and foot issues that may lead to amputation. Maintaining good blood sugar control reduces the risk of these complications.

While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, Type 2 diabetes can often be delayed or prevented through a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, and monitoring blood sugar levels can all reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.