Diabetes

What is Diabetes? 

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how your body processes glucose (sugar), the primary energy source for your cells. Glucose comes from the foods you eat and needs to enter your cells with the help of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Diabetes occurs when there are problems with insulin production or its effectiveness in regulating blood sugar levels, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

Causes and Risk Factors for Diabetes

• Family History: If you have a history of diabetes, you may be at an increased risk.
• Obesity: Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
• Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Unhealthy Diet: Consuming a diet high in sugary and processed foods can contribute to developing type 2 diabetes.
• Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 45.
• Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
• Gestational Diabetes: Women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type and stage of the condition. Here are some common symptoms associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes:

• Frequent Urination: Excess sugar in the bloodstream can lead to increased urination as the body tries to eliminate the excess glucose.
• Excessive Thirst: Increased urination can cause dehydration, leading to excessive thirst.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes may experience weight loss despite an increased appetite.
• Fatigue: High blood sugar levels can lead to feelings of tiredness and fatigue.
• Blurred Vision: Elevated blood sugar can affect the eye's lens, causing temporary vision changes.
• Slow Wound Healing: Diabetes can impair the body's ability to heal wounds and injuries.
• Frequent Infections: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to skin and urinary tract infections.
• Tingling or Numbness: Some people with diabetes may experience tingling or numbness, especially in the extremities, due to nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).

Types of Diabetes

There are primarily two types of diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels.
• Type 2 Diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to the effects of insulin. Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and physical inactivity, often contribute to its development. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin therapy.

Diagnosis of Diabetes

Diabetes is typically diagnosed through blood tests that measure your blood sugar levels. The primary tests used for diagnosing diabetes are:

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test (Fasting Plasma Glucose or FPG): This test measures your blood sugar level after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher on two separate occasions is generally considered diagnostic of diabetes.
• Haemoglobin A1c Test (HbA1c): This test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. An A1c level of 6.5% or higher is typically used to diagnose diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test involves fasting overnight and drinking a sugary solution. Blood sugar levels are measured at intervals after consuming the solution. A 200 mg/dL or higher blood sugar level two hours after drinking the solution indicates diabetes.
• Random Blood Sugar Test: A blood sample taken at any time, regardless of when you last ate, with a blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher can suggest diabetes, especially if accompanied by symptoms.

The specific test may vary depending on the doctor's preference and the individual's situation.

Treatment of Diabetes

The treatment of diabetes aims to manage blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Here are common treatment strategies:

• Type 1 Diabetes:
• Insulin Therapy: People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections or an insulin pump to replace the insulin their body no longer produces.
• Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential to adjust insulin doses.
• Type 2 Diabetes:
• Lifestyle Changes include adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed to help the body use insulin more effectively or to stimulate insulin production.
• Insulin Therapy: Some people with type 2 diabetes may eventually need insulin therapy if other treatments are ineffective.
• Gestational Diabetes:
• Diet and Exercise: Lifestyle modifications are the first line of treatment.
• Insulin or Medications: Insulin or oral medications may be required if blood sugar levels remain high.

What if Diabetes is Untreated?

Untreated diabetes can have serious health consequences and can lead to various complications, including:

• Cardiovascular Problems: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
• Kidney Disease: Diabetes can lead to kidney damage and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
• Eye Issues: It can cause vision problems and lead to diabetic retinopathy, resulting in blindness.
• Nerve Damage: Diabetic neuropathy can cause tingling, numbness, and pain, especially in the extremities.
• Foot Complications: Poor blood flow and nerve damage can lead to foot ulcers and, in severe cases, amputation.
• Skin and Wound Healing Problems: Slow wound healing and an increased risk of skin infections.
• Mental Health Issues: Diabetes management can also impact mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Other Complications: Diabetes can affect the digestive system, increase the risk of infections, and lead to sexual health problems.

It's crucial to manage diabetes through proper medical care, lifestyle changes, and medications, if necessary, to prevent or minimise these complications. Regular monitoring and working closely with healthcare professionals are essential for maintaining good health when living with diabetes.