Diabetes is a condition that touches the lives of millions of people worldwide, although it remains widely misunderstood. India is often referred to as the ‘diabetes capital of the world’ as it accounts for 18% of the cases worldwide. Whether diagnosed at a young age or in adulthood, living with diabetes can be overwhelming. However, with the right approach, diabetes can be managed effectively. This blog will explore diabetes, its types, and various methods and treatment options to control diabetes.
There are 3 main types of diabetes:
Type 1 DM: In this type, there is autoimmune destruction of beta cells of the pancreas. Which are responsible for producing insulin (lower blood glucose levels)? As a result, people with type 1 DM cannot produce insulin and must rely on insulin pumps or injections for their whole life. It typically develops in children aged 10 to 15, though it can occur at any age.
Type 2 DM is the most common type of diabetes. The main cause behind developing type 2 diabetes is poor lifestyles such as lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits (alcohol, smoking, eating too much-processed carbs) that lead to obesity. In this type, the body either becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. It tends to develop in adults, usually >40 years, but it is increasing in younger people due to the rise in obesity rates.
Gestational diabetes: it occurs during pregnancy when the body is not able to maintain blood glucose levels Although gestational diabetes generally goes away after birth, women who experience it are at higher risk of developing type 2 DM later in life.
Symptoms of diabetes:
Polydipsia (excessive thirst), Polyuria (frequent urination), Polyphagia (excessive eating), blurred vision, delayed wound healing, and unexplained weight loss. There may be no symptoms at all, particularly in the early stages of type 2 diabetes.
Your doctor will use several tests, including fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar, and hba1c (which provides the last 3 months’ sugar levels) to diagnose diabetes.
Management of diabetes:
A combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring can help in managing diabetes effectively
- Healthy diet: People with diabetes should focus on consuming nutrient-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains (brown bread, brown rice, and oats). Carbohydrates should be taken in moderation. Foods with a high glycemic index (such as white bread or fried food) can spike blood sugar levels instantly, while low-GI foods are digested more slowly, providing satiety and energy.
- Physical activity: Diabetics should aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise, such as swimming, cycling, or jogging, 5 days a week to improve insulin sensitivity. In addition, physical activity has numerous other benefits, including improving heart health, boosting mood, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Monitoring blood sugar levels: regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial. This helps ensure blood sugar stays within normal limits and helps to adjust insulin or medicine dosage. People with diabetes should also keep a record of their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Medication and insulin therapy: for type 1 diabetes, lifelong insulin is needed. for type 2 diabetes, may require insulin generally in older age or if blood glucose is not controlled on medications (metformin, glimepiride, etc.). There are several different types of insulin, such as rapid-acting insulin, short-, intermediate-, or long-acting insulin. The type and dosage depend on factors such as blood glucose levels, physical activity, and type of food intake. People with diabetes need to stay in touch with their healthcare professionals to determine the right medication plan.
Preventing and managing complications: uncontrolled diabetes can lead to long-term complications, including nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), heart disease, and eye problems (retinopathy). Preventing these complications requires keeping blood sugar levels within a target range and maintaining overall health through diet, exercise, and medication.
Routine check-ups are essential for monitoring life-threatening complications. Regular eye exams, foot exams, and kidney function tests can help detect complications early and prevent more severe problems from developing.
Conclusion: Diabetes is a complex disease, but one can live with it without having any complications or severe harm with the right knowledge and lifestyle adjustments. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, monitoring your health, and routine check-ups are key to controlling the condition. With proactive care, people with diabetes can live healthy, fulfilling lives while minimizing the risk of complications.
