Diabetes:
Diabetes is a condition that happens when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It develops when your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or any at all, or when your body isn’t responding to the effects of insulin properly. Diabetes affects people of all ages. Most forms of diabetes are chronic (lifelong), and all forms are manageable with medications and/or lifestyle changes.
Glucose (sugar) mainly comes from carbohydrates in your food and drinks. It’s your body’s go-to source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all your body’s cells to use for energy.
When glucose is in your bloodstream, it needs help — a “key” — to reach its final destination. This key is insulin (a hormone). If your pancreas isn’t making enough insulin or your body isn’t using it properly, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, causing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
- Type 1 diabetes: This type occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) from food enter your cells to be used for energy. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to survive.
- Type 2 diabetes: This type occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. It is more common in adults, especially those who are overweight or inactive. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, and sometimes medication or insulin therapy.
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Long-term complications of diabetes can affect various parts of the body and develop over years if blood sugar levels are consistently high and not well-managed.
Heart disease and stroke: Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular problems such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. High blood sugar levels can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to the heart and brain.
Kidney disease (nephropathy): Diabetes can damage the kidneys’ filtering units over time, leading to kidney disease or even kidney failure. This condition is called diabetic nephropathy and is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease.
Eye damage (retinopathy): Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina (diabetic retinopathy), leading to vision problems and even blindness if left untreated. It’s one of the most common causes of blindness in adults.
Nerve damage (neuropathy): Diabetes can cause nerve damage, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy). It can also affect nerves that control various bodily functions, leading to digestive problems, erectile dysfunction, and other issues.
Foot complications: Nerve damage and poor blood circulation associated with diabetes can increase the risk of foot problems. Foot ulcers and infections are common and can lead to serious complications, including amputation if not treated promptly.
Skin conditions: Diabetes can make people more susceptible to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections. High blood sugar levels can also lead to dry skin and slow healing of wounds.
Gum disease: Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease (periodontal disease), which can cause gums to become inflamed, bleed easily, and eventually lead to tooth loss if not properly managed.
Alzheimer’s disease: Some studies suggest a link between diabetes and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, although more research is needed to understand the exact connection.
Diagnosis and Tests:
1. Fasting blood glucose test, Random blood glucose test, A1c(HbA1c).
Factors Affecting Insulin Needs:
- Food: Carbohydrate intake influences the amount of insulin needed to manage blood sugar levels after meals.
- Exercise: Physical activity can increase insulin sensitivity, reducing the amount of insulin required.
- Stress and Illness: Stress and certain illnesses can increase blood sugar levels, requiring adjustments to insulin doses.