Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that impacts the body's ability to produce or use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes develops when your blood glucose, often known as blood sugar, is abnormally high. Glucose is the body's primary source of energy. Your body can produce glucose, but glucose is also obtained from the foods you eat.
According to the World Health Organisation, in India, an estimated 77 million people over the age of 18 are suffering from type 2 diabetes, with another 25 million being prediabetics (at risk of developing diabetes in the near future). More than half of people are unaware of their diabetes, which can lead to health concerns if not discovered and treated promptly.
In this detailed article we will try to explore the symptoms, causes, types, and treatment options for diabetes, providing crucial information for managing this life-altering disease.
Let’s Understand Diabetes
“Diabetes is a condition where your body has trouble managing sugar. This happens when you don't have enough insulin, a hormone that helps sugar get into your cells, or your body can't use insulin well. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational,” said Dr Urman Dhruv, MD (Internal Medicine), Sr. Consultant Physician ,HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad.
Diabetes mellitus occurs when either the pancreas is not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.
Also read: Glycated Haemoglobin: The Key to Long-term Blood Sugar Management
Types of Diabetes
Dr Dhruv said, “Type 1 diabetes is when your immune system attacks the cells that make insulin. People with Type 1 usually need insulin shots. Type 2 diabetes is more common and is often related to being overweight or not exercising. With Type 2, your body doesn’t use insulin properly. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy and can affect both the mother and baby.”
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type typically appears in children and young adults but can occur at any age. Patients with type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent, which means they must take insulin every day to live.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more common and usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but is increasingly occurring in younger age groups including children, adolescents, and young adults. It is often associated with obesity and tends to be inherited in families. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin.
Gestational Diabetes
This type occurs in pregnant women who have never had diabetes but who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, gestational diabetes affects about 2% to 10% of pregnancies annually and usually resolves after giving birth, though it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms of Diabetes
“Common symptoms of diabetes include feeling very thirsty, urinating a lot, being more tired than usual, losing weight without trying, and having blurry vision. If you notice these signs, see a doctor for a simple test,” Dr Dhruv stated. Symptoms of diabetes vary depending on the type and severity of the condition but may include:
- Unexplained weight loss (more common in type 1)
- Fatigue
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing complications.
Causes of Diabetes
Genetic Factors
Genetics play a significant role, especially in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Family history is a strong predictor of risk.
According to the American Diabetes Association, if you have type 1 diabetes, your child has a one in 17 chance of developing the disease. If you are a woman with type 1 diabetes and your child was born before you were 25, your child's risk is 1 in 25. And if your child was born after you were 25, your child's risk is 1 in 100.
If you have diabetes before the age of 11, your child is twice as likely to develop it. If you and your partner both have type 1 diabetes, your chances of developing the disease are between one in 10 and one in four.
The Influence of Hormones
Gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that make the body resistant to insulin.
Diagnosing Diabetes
Diabetes is diagnosed through several blood tests:
- Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG): Measures blood glucose level after an overnight fast.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood glucose before and after drinking a glucose-rich drink. There is another test called hemoglobin A1C Test which provides average levels of blood glucose over the past three months.
Treatment and Management of Diabetes
According to Dr Dhruv, to treat diabetes, you need to manage your blood sugar levels. This might mean taking medication or insulin, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
As per him, keeping your blood sugar in check, you can avoid complications like heart disease or kidney problems. With the right care, people with diabetes can live healthy, active lives
Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
Management involves multiple daily injections of insulin or the use of an insulin pump. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial.
Also read: Can Women With Diabetes Go For IVF? Here’s What Expert Explains
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial. Medications and sometimes insulin therapy are also required.
Gestational Diabetes Treatment
Managing blood sugar levels through diet and exercise is critical. Insulin injections may be necessary if these measures are not sufficient to control glucose levels.
Complications of Diabetes
If treatment does not start promptly, long-term complications of diabetes can include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, foot damage, skin conditions, and Alzheimer's disease. Managing blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol is crucial.
Journal of Diabetes Research says patients with milder illnesses should closely monitor their blood sugar, blood lipids, and blood pressure. Those with serious vascular problems should actively obtain medication treatment, the appropriate surgical treatment, and improved diabetic care habits.
Preventing Diabetes
One study published in 2013 revealed that, even after controlling both energy intake and body mass index (BMI), soda consumption is associated with an elevated risk of getting the condition.
- Preventive measures can be particularly effective for type 2 diabetes, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Eating a balanced, healthy diet
- Regularly screening for diabetes if you are at risk
Diabetes is a significant global health issue with various types and wide-ranging impacts. To prevent this disease we need to get credible information related to its symptoms, causes, and types of diabetes. This i s crucial for early detection and treatment. With proper management, people with diabetes can lead a healthy life. Advances in research continue to provide new ways to manage and treat this condition, promising better outcomes for those affected.