Insulin is a hormone that moves sugar from the blood into the cells to be stored or used for energy. The malfunctioning of these hormones results in diabetes. When untreated, the condition can be damaging to your overall health, including your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and other organs of the body. It is important to educate yourself about this condition, its causes, symptoms, and prevention to manage a healthy lifestyle.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when your blood sugar level rises more than normal. It happens when the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin or no insulin at all. It also occurs when the body doesn’t respond properly to the effects of insulin. Diabetes can occur in people of all ages. While most forms of this condition are chronic, they can be managed with medication and other lifestyle changes.

What are the Causes of Diabetes?

Diabetes is the result of too much glucose circulating in your bloodstream. The reason for high glucose levels may vary, depending upon the type of diabetes you have. The following are the common causes of this condition.

• Type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by insulin resistance, which happens when the cells in the muscles, liver, or fat don’t respond as they should.
• Type 1 diabetes is the result of autoimmune disease when the immune system starts attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• In many cases, diabetes is also the result of hormonal imbalances. For instance, in pregnant women, the change in hormones leads to gestational diabetes. Other hormone-related conditions, such as Cushing syndrome and acromegaly, may lead to type 2 diabetes.
• Physical damage to the pancreas is another reason for diabetes, as it impacts your insulin.
• Various genetic mutations also result in diabetes.

What are the Types of Diabetes?

Diabetes can be categorized into the following types:

Type 1 Diabetes

This one is an autoimmune disease where the immune system starts attacking and destroying the cells in the pancreas where insulin is attacked. The reason behind this attack is unknown.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes results when the body becomes resistant to insulin. It causes a good sugar build-up in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and around 90-95% of people living with diabetes have type 2.

Type 1.5 Diabetes

This type of diabetes is also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults or LADA. It develops during adulthood and sets in gradually, like type 2 diabetes. This autoimmune disease may not be treated by diet or lifestyle.

Gestational Diabetes

This kind of diabetes is high blood sugar that occurs only in pregnant women. It happens when insulin-blocking hormones are produced by the placenta.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes depend on how high your blood sugar is. Some people, especially those with prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, may not show any symptoms at all. Others may have the following symptoms.

• Feeling thirsty than usual.
• Frequent urination, especially during nighttime
• Losing weight without trying
• The presence of ketones in the urine
• Feeling lethargic and weak
• Continuous mood swings and feeling irritable quickly
• Slow-healing sores
• Blurry vision
• Getting a lot of infection, including skin, gum, and vaginal.

How is Diabetes Treated and Managed?

Type 1 diabetes may start at any age. Per studies, diabetes begins during childhood or teen years, whereas type 2 diabetes can develop at any age. Regardless of the type of diabetes you have, it is crucial to manage the condition.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

The doctor will advise you to monitor your glucose or blood sugar levels from time to time. It will give you information on how to manage your diabetes daily. You can invest in a continuous glucose monitor and check your sugar levels at different times of the day, as recommended by the doctor.

Oral Medication

The doctor will give you medicines to manage diabetes. Medication is usually given to people with type 2 diabetes. People with gestational diabetes will also be prescribed medicines, such as metformin.

Insulin

People with type 1 diabetes need to inject synthetic insulin to live and manage the condition. Some people with type 2 diabetes may also require insulin.

Diet

What you eat has a direct effect on your condition. Thus, make sure to consume a healthy diet. The doctor will suggest you check for the carbs in the food and drinks you eat. They will also advise you to maintain healthy eating habits to manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Exercise

You must maintain a healthy routine by making exercise a part of your lifestyle. Any exercise or physical activity maintains a healthy weight and increases insulin sensitivity, an important aspect of managing diabetes.

Takeaway

Diabetes has become one of the most common chronic diseases among people of all age groups, and it is vital to take the right action to manage this condition. The above-listed tips and lifestyle changes will bring you closer to living healthily with diabetes. Talk to your doctor and get the best treatment.