Diabetes is a health condition where the body had a problem with the hormone insulin.
Under normal circumstances, the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) give out insulin to help the body store and use sugar and fat from the food we eat. Diabetes can develop when the pancreas produces little or no insulin or when the body does not respond correctly to insulin. Diabetes has no cure yet, for now individuals living with diabetes need to manage their disease to stay or live healthy.
Diabetes can occur in different types, but the three major types are: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the insulin producing cells of the pancreas(beta cells) are destroyed by the immune system. People with this type of diabetes produce no insulin and must use insulin injection to control their blood glucose and stay alive. Type 1 diabetes most commonly starts in people Under the age of 20, but may occur at any age.
Type 2 diabetes is different from type1, because individual with type2 diabetes produces insulin. But the insulin their pancreas secretes is either not enough or the body doesn’t recognize it and use it efficiently. When there is no insulin in the blood or the insulin is not in action, glucose can’t be moved to the body cells for work. It occurs in overweight and obese people above 40 years.
Gestational diabetes occur in pregnancy. Changes in hormone during pregnancy can cause changes in insulin ability to work properly. This type of condition occurs in almost 4% of all pregnancies. Gestational diabetes risks occurs in pregnant women who are over 25 years and overweight before pregnancy.
Prediabetes can happen when your blood sugar is higher than normal but is not enough to be called diabetes, people with prediabetes has a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Hence, diabetes can be caused by several factors like, family history, if your family member or grand parents had cases of diabetes, you are probably going to develop such in the future. Being overweight or obese is another risk factor of developing diabetes, if your body mass index(BMI) is 25.0-29.9kg/m^2(overweight) or 30kg/m^2 and above(obese).
Your lifestyle is another major cause of developing diabetes, if you live a life of no physical activity or exercise for a long time, you are likely to develop this type of health problem. Drinking too much alcohol is also a contributor to this problem.
Furthermore, symptoms of type 1 diabetes may include the following: increased thirst, increased hunger, dry mouth, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, labored or heavy breathing, loss of consciousness. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include: slow healing or cuts, itching of the skin, yeast infection, recent weight gain, numbness or tingling of the hands and feet, impotence or erectile dysfunction.
According to the American Diabetes Association(ADA), this health condition is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. It’s complications include:
*Dental and gum disease,
*Eye problem and sight loss,
*Foot problems, numbness, ulcer, injuries and cuts,
*Heart disease,
*Nerve damage,
*Stroke,
*Kidney disease.
Finally, diabetes can be managed by the following ways:
Keeping the blood glucose low by balancing diet with medication and exercise.
Keeping your blood cholesterol and triglyceride(lipids) low, this can be achieved by consuming diet low in fat (30%) or less and by reducing saturated fat and cholesterol.
Controlling/keeping your blood pressure between 130/80.
Avoid the development of diabetes related issues.
Eat balanced diet.
Exercise regularly.
Taking medications correctly.
Monitor your blood sugar level at home regularly.
Always go for check ups.
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Article by: Chukwuemeka Thompson March 7, 2019