Facts About Diabetes

In this article, we have gathered the most important information about diabetes to provide you with a comprehensive overview of this common health issue. Read on to learn more.

Information About Diabetes

If you're looking for information about diabetes, here’s everything you need to know:

• What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells cannot effectively use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and its primary role is to regulate blood glucose levels. 

Diabetes can affect people of all ages, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause serious damage to various parts of the body, particularly the nerves and blood vessels. However, all forms of diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication.

• Types of Diabetes

The most common types of diabetes include:

1. Type 1 Diabetes: This autoimmune condition occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas for unknown reasons. It is typically diagnosed in children and young adults but can occur at any age.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type, primarily affecting adults, although children can also develop it. In this case, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body’s cells don’t respond to insulin properly.
3. Gestational Diabetes: This type develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
4. Prediabetes: A stage preceding type 2 diabetes, where blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.

• Causes of Diabetes

The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy. In diabetes, the body cannot process glucose effectively, either due to insufficient insulin or because insulin does not function properly. 

While the exact causes are unclear, factors such as genetics and environment play a role. The following factors increase the risk of developing diabetes:

1. Obesity.
2. Ethnicity (Latino, Native American, Asian American). 
3. Unhealthy diet.
4. Family history of diabetes.
5. Long-term use of steroids.
6. Gestational diabetes.
7. High blood pressure.

• Symptoms of Diabetes

Symptoms can vary depending on how high blood sugar levels are, and they tend to appear rapidly and more severely in type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, symptoms may develop gradually or not appear for a long time. Common symptoms include:

1. Frequent urination.
2. Increased thirst.
3. Unintentional weight loss.
4. Fatigue and weakness.
5. Mood swings.
6. Blurred vision.
7. Frequent infections, such as gum, skin, or vaginal infections.
8. Slow-healing sores and wounds.

• Diagnosis of Diabetes

Diabetes is typically diagnosed by measuring blood glucose levels through several tests, including:

1. Fasting Blood Glucose Test: Measures blood sugar after an 8-hour fast.
2. Random Blood Glucose Test: Measures blood sugar at any time.
3. Hemoglobin A1C Test: Provides an average blood sugar level over the past three months.
4. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Used to diagnose gestational diabetes.

Blazma offers all the tests that a doctor may request to diagnose diabetes and monitor blood sugar levels, including Glucose - Fasting, Glucose - Random, Hemoglobin A1C, and the Diabetes Checkup Package.

• Diabetes Treatment

Treating diabetes involves multiple strategies tailored to the individual, as it affects people differently. Basic treatment methods include:

1. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
2. Taking oral medications for those who produce insulin (for type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes).
3. Insulin therapy, especially for those with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes.
4. Dietary adjustments, including managing carbohydrate intake.
5. Physical activity to enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.

Maintaining a healthy weight and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Key Facts About Diabetes

Since we have decided to clarify the most important information about diabetes in this article, we must share the following details with you:

• Prevalence

Diabetes is widespread, affecting 537 million adults worldwide. Experts predict this number will rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all cases.

• Less Common Types

Less common forms of diabetes include: 

1. Monogenic diabetes.
2. Neonatal diabetes.
3. Type 3c diabetes, which occurs due to pancreas damage unrelated to autoimmunity or pancreatic removal.

• Complications

Over time, high blood sugar can damage the heart, eyes, kidneys, and feet. By maintaining blood sugar control and adhering to treatment, many of these complications can be prevented. 

Long-term complications include heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, neuropathy, kidney disease, retinopathy, infections, sexual dysfunction, hearing loss, and more.

In conclusion, we hope this information about diabetes has provided you with a clear understanding of the condition.