“Diabetes Explained: A Complete Guide to Managing Your Blood Sugar and Health
Diabetes is a common health problem around the globe affecting millions of people. It is characterized by when the body struggles to manage blood sugar (glucose) making the all-out large number fo health problems. However, diagnosed or not, if you have the knowledge and manage it right diabetes will allow for a happy long life. This article will focus on what causes diabetes, the symptoms and how to treat it with some practical advice that can assist you in managing this disease.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that affects the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose); there are more than two types of diabetes. This is key for your health because glucose (sugar) is the main source of fuel your cells and tissues use to make energy. It is also the main fuel for your brain.
All of these types share the problem that there is too much glucose in the bloodstream although they do not all have the same causes. Chronic diabetes conditions are categorised as Type 1 diabetes and also Type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes, which is a condition whereby your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not that high to be categorized as diabetes, and gestational diabetes refers to the type of diabetic conditions experienced at pregnancy which could resolve after childbirth.
The Role of Insulin
Understanding diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes. A good beginning point to understanding the roots of type 2 diabetes starts by re-visiting a bit on where some might say; it all began Insulin The pancreas, an organ that is located behind the stomach, produces insulin. After you eat, your pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream. Your body needs insulin to let sugar (glucose) enter your cells, the excess glucose is removed from blood into saliva[].
When it comes to diabetes the body either does not produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use that because of which our blood sugar rises. If left untreated, this causes glucose to accumulate in the blood and can lead to serious health problems.
Types of Diabetes
The main types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2 and gestational. Types of Endometriosis There are different subtypes of endometriosis, each with its own unique characteristics and causes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and kills off insulin-producing beta cells from a part of our pancreas. Correspondingly, effectively the body doesnot make enough otherwise any insulin. This is the type of diabetes that often gets diagnosed in childhood — it was formerly known as juvenile diabetes.
Unlik other forms of diabetes, Type 1 cannot be prevented and it means that those who have been diagnosed will need to take daily insulin injections or use an Insulin pump in order to keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Causes of Type 1 Diabetes
The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is poorly understood. Though, it is thought to be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental causes. The immune system might attack the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells after being exposed to a virus or other environmental trigger, according to researchers.
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
- Increased thirst and excessive urination
- Extreme hunger
- More food and weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
- Irritability and mood changes
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes, making up to about 90-95% with all cases. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use insulin properly. Instead of circulating in the blood stream and cells it should do work for (e.g., helping glucose get into our cells), insulin somewhat just sits there over time_WARNINGS_AFTER_TOC_. Eventually, the pancreas cannot release enough insulin to lower blood sugars into a range that is normal.
In many cases, Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity and physical inactivity or poor diet. It usually occurs in people aged 45 and older, but it is now becoming more common among the youth including children and teenagers.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
MANY RISK FACTORS CAN PREDISPOSE TO THE DISEASE (LIFESTYLE, INHERITED TRAITS,ETC…)
Own flesh and blood:Those with a family history of diabetes have higher odds as well (genetics).
Obesity: Additional fat, especially surrounding the belly area can promote insulin resistance.
Avoid sedentary behavior: Physical activity aids in weight management, exercise uses glucose as energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin.
Unhealthy Diet: Diets that are high in saturated fats, trans-fats, and refined sugars can increase insulin resistance (one of the stages) and play a role to obesity.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Because the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes arise more slowly and are so subtle, it can be hard to recognize. Common symptoms include:
- More thirsty and more frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and Sores That Take a Long Time to Heal or Have Frequent Infections
- Dark patches on the skin, usually around the armpits and neck
- Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops when the body starts to resist insulin due to pregnancy. It typically occurs in the 2nd or 3rd trimester and affects about 2-10% of pregnancies within the United States. Although gestational diabetes is, for the most part reversible after birth, it does greatly raise their chances of becoming Type 2 diabetics and this means both mother & child have increased odds.
Reasons For Having Gestational Diabetes
Your placenta produces hormones that your baby needs to grow and develop normally during pregnancy. They also secrete these hormones that can stop the mother’s insulin from actively working, causing her to become ‘insulin resistant’. Gestational diabetes arises when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin ti counteract this resistance.
Signs and Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
Most of the time, gestational diabetes may not cause noticeable symptoms but in some cases women do experience:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Early Detection and Diagnosis — Why It Matters
Diabetes prevention is important for early detection and timely diagnosis. Left untreated, diabetes can result in a number of potential problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage and nerve impairment among others.
Diagnosing Diabetes
The human body naturally breaks down sugars which provides the energy needed to fuel muscles, organs and basic functions such as breathing; this is how diabetes can be diagnosed through blood tests (to check your glucose levels). Some of the common tests are —
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Blood sugar is tested after an overnight fast. A blood sugar level from 126 mg/dL and beyond means the person has diabetes.
A1C Test: This measures your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. If you have an A1C level of 6.5% or higher (using the most recent standards), this indicates diabetes on two separate tests
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) — This test measures your blood sugar after you drink a sugary drink and then an hour later. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.
Random Plasma Glucose Test : Measures the sugar in your blood at any time of day, regardless of when you last ate. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher join diabetes.
Easy and Basic Home Remedies for Diabetes
Effective management of diabetes involves a mix of changes in lifestyle as well as medication and monitoring sugar levels on regular basis. The treatments considered will be described in more details later.
1. Healthy Eating
You have to make certain changes in your diet, as a healthy balanced diet is the first pillar of diabetes care. The aim is to eat a healthy, balanced diet that helps regulate blood sugar and prevents complications of diabetes. Follow these nutritional standards:
Eat the Right Stuff- Fill your plate up with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. They give you key nutrients all while keeping your blood sugar — and everything connected to it — levels in check.
Control Carbohydrates: Of all the macronutrients, carbohydrates have a dramatic effect on blood sugar levels. Opt for whole grains, legumes and starchy vegetables as the main source of carbohydrates instead of white breads or foods high in sugar.
Portion Control — Eating the appropriate portion sizes prevents blood sugar spikes and aids in weight management. Small plates, portion size and serving sizes add up greatly.
Eating Regularly: If you skip meals, or if you go more than 4-5 hours without eating it can cause your blood sugar to drop too low — only then does the body release stress hormones like cortisol and audit guides. Try to eat regular meals with all the CFDAs.
Control Sugary Foods: Quick spikes in blood sugar can be a result from sugary foods and drinks. You should use it on full minimisation or not at all.
2. Regular Physical Activity
Physical activity reduces blood sugar elevations, improves insulin sensitivity, and aids in weight loss or maintenance—all of which are important for diabetic management. Physical activity in your daily life looks like this:
Shoot for 150 Minutes a Week: The American Diabetes Association advises doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, distributed over at least three days. A brisk walk, cycling, swim or dance can all be great fun and hugely beneficial.
Incudes-or-2 days a week of strength training. This includes hitting the weights (or using resistance bands), doing body-weight exercises such as push-ups and squats, or taking a yoga class to help build muscle so your body can use insulin more effectively.
Increase Daily Activity: Instead of relying on a planned workout, try to stay active throughout the day. Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, walk at lunch time or stretch when you are in front of TV.
Do Exercise That You Respect The best exercise is one you like and that has a future. Be it yoga, gardening or joining a sports team — pick what helps you keep moving and involved too.
3. More About Medication and Insulin Therapy
And some with diabetes will not be able to manage their blood sugar levels just through lifestyle changes. The patient may also require medications or insulin therapy to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
Type 2 diabetes drugs
The first thing is to provide treatment of adults with Type 2 diabetes using various types of oral or injectable medications.
1) Metformin:This is the most common oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. This drug reduces the level of blood glucose level produced by liver and also increases sensitivity in all types 2 diabetes patients.
