What is Diabetes, what are the causes of this condition, and what are the warning signs and symptoms. Read on to know everything.
Diabetes is an irreversible health condition that is marked by unusual spikes in the body’s blood sugar levels. It is a chronic disease that occurs when your body fails to produce or effectively use enough amount of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels naturally. Over a period of time, this irregular production of insulin can lead to a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream, which can damage various organs and tissues.
What Causes Diabetes?
The exact causes of diabetes or high blood sugar levels are not fully understood, however, studies have suggested that genetics and lifestyle both factors play a significant role in the onset of diabetes. While type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune disease, type 2 diabetes on the other hand, is often linked to obesity, lack of physical activity, and a family history of the disease. Let’s understand the types of diabetes and how they can show up in the body gradually through signs and symptoms.
Types of Diabetes
There are mainly three different types of diabetes that one can suffer. These include:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces little to no insulin. It is often diagnosed in children and young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type-2 diabetes is one of the most commonly found types globally. This type occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes and is often diagnosed in adults.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery. If you are pregnant, make sure to get your blood sugar levels checked for safety.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Noticing diabetes symptoms is critical. Every individual who develops diabetes can show a different set of symptoms, depending on the type they are suffering from. Some of the common signs of diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
Diabetes Treatment and Management
As we all know by now diabetes is a lifestyle disease, which means your daily habits are the major contributor to this condition. Keeping that in mind, here are a few tips that one can follow to manage diabetes signs and symptoms.
- Blood tests can diagnose diabetes by measuring blood sugar levels.
- Post-diagnosis, treatment might involve diet changes, regular physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, and possibly medication or insulin.
- Working with healthcare providers to tailor a treatment plan is essential.
If you notice any of the symptoms of diabetes mentioned above, make sure to get yourself tested for the condition, and seek proper guidance from the experts to deal with it. Stay informed, stay safe!