Diabetes_ Symptoms, Causes and Tips to control diabetes - Riddlie

 Diabetes(Blood Sugar)

Diabetes is a condition that affects your body's ability to control blood sugar levels. This can happen because your body doesn't make enough insulin, or you don't use the insulin produced effectively. Diabetes can be serious, but there are treatments available to help manage the condition.

Table of content

• Diabetes(Blood Sugar)
• Types of Diabetes
• Symptoms(signs) of Diabetes
• Causes of Diabetes
• Tips to control Diabetes
• Complications from Diabetes

Types of Diabetes

There are two types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.

 Symptoms of type 1;

Increased thirst

Frequent urination

Hunger even after eating

Weight loss

Fatigue

Blurred vision

Slow healing of cuts and bruises

Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

Dry, itchy skin

Mood swings and irritability

Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes is the result of the body's resistance to insulin and the inability to use insulin effectively.

Symptoms of type 2;

Fatigue

Increased thirst and hunger

Dry mouth

Blurred vision

Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

Slow healing of cuts and bruises

Dark, velvety skin around the neck and armpits

Yeast infections

Weight gain

Frequent urination and urinary tract infections.

Both conditions have similar symptoms such as increased thirst and frequent urination, but they have different causes and require different treatments. It's important to have a proper diagnosis to determine the type of diabetes and to receive the appropriate treatment.

People with diabetes need to go to the bathroom frequently, feel thirsty all the time, and lose weight without explanation. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious problems, such as heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus are two different medical conditions.

Diabetes Mellitus is a condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It is caused by the inability of the body to produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, and weight loss.

Diabetes Insipidus, on the other hand, is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate the balance of fluid due to a deficiency of the hormone vasopressin. This leads to excessive thirst and the production of large amounts of dilute urine.

Symptoms(Signs) of diabetes

Symptoms(signs) of diabetes can vary greatly from mild to severe. They can develop slowly over time, so it's important to know what to look for. Understanding the symptoms of diabetes can help you manage your condition and prevent complications. Now let's discuss common symptoms of diabetes and how we can identify them;

Increased Thirst and Urination

One of the common symptoms of diabetes is frequent urination. High blood sugar causes the body to produce more urine, which can lead to dehydration. This can cause you to feel the need to drink more water, which can lead to excessive thirst.

Increased Hunger

People with diabetes sometimes have trouble getting energy from food. This can make them hungry even after eating.

Weight Loss

If you have diabetes, your body may not be able to use glucose well, which can lead to weight loss even if you're eating more than usual. This is because you can lose muscle and lose weight if you can't use the glucose in your blood.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of diabetes. This happens because your body can't make enough energy from glucose, which can make you feel tired and weak.

Blurred Vision

If your blood glucose is high, your eyes may swell and you may experience blurred vision. If this happens, you should see an eye doctor to find out the cause and make sure it doesn't get worse.

Slow Healing Wounds

If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels can affect how quickly you heal cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. This is because high blood sugar can slow blood flow to the area, which can slow the healing process.

Numbness or Tingling in the Feet

Another sign of diabetes is if you feel numbness or burning in your feet. This is because high blood sugar damages the nerves, which reduces sensation in the feet.

If you have any of these symptoms, it could mean you have diabetes. If you are diagnosed with diabetes and take care of yourself, you can live a good life.

Tips to control diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce or use insulin properly. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can lead to problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.

There are many things that people with diabetes can do to help manage their blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of complications. Some of these things include following a healthy diet and exercise, getting regular medical treatment, and using insulin or other diabetes medications as needed.

Maintain a healthy diet

To control diabetes, you need to make sure to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fiber, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. You should also avoid processed foods, such as fried foods, junk food, and sugary drinks.

Monitor blood sugar levels

People with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to make sure they are within the target range. This can be done using a home blood sugar meter. The target blood sugar range depends on individual factors such as age, gender, and medical history. But, most people with diabetes want to keep their blood sugar levels between 80 and 130 mg/DL before meals and below 180 mg/DL after meals.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity is important for people with diabetes. At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day, such as brisk walking, is beneficial. Resistance training can also help build muscle and improve insulin sensitivity.

Take medication as prescribed

People who have diabetes may need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels. This may include insulin, oral medications, or a combination of both. To ensure that blood sugar levels are in a good range, people with diabetes should take their medications as prescribed by their healthcare provider. They should also check their blood sugar levels regularly to make sure the medication is working well.

Reduce stress levels

Stress can raise blood sugar levels, which can make diabetes difficult to manage. People with diabetes should try to reduce stress by doing meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. They should also make sure to manage stress in their daily lives by focusing on tasks and delegating responsibilities.

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can cause problems with blood sugar levels and your overall health. People who have diabetes need to avoid smoking and, if possible, drink only one or two drinks a day.

Manage sleep patterns

People with diabetes should get plenty of sleep each night to keep their blood sugar levels healthy. Avoid eating late at night, as it can raise your blood sugar levels.

Monitor for complications

People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing serious complications. To reduce this risk, people with diabetes should have regular checkups with their healthcare providers. This may include regular eye exams, foot exams, etc.

Causes of diabetes

There are many causes of diabetes. In which;
genetics
lifestyle factors
medical conditions 
let's discuss them individually to take steps:

Genetics

There is a genetic link between diabetes and certain genes. If you have a close relative with diabetes, you are more likely to develop the disease yourself. This is because you are more likely to inherit genes linked to diabetes. Also, you may be at increased risk of diabetes if you are obese or have a sedentary lifestyle.

Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors are one of the main causes of diabetes. A poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity can all increase your risk of developing diabetes. A diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats can also lead to weight gain and make it harder for your body to use insulin. Physical inactivity can also increase your risk of developing diabetes because it can lead to weight gain and decreased insulin sensitivity.

Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop the disease than those who maintain a healthy weight. This is because being overweight can cause your body to develop insulin resistance, which makes it harder for the body to use insulin properly.

Medical conditions 

There are many different reasons why people can develop diabetes. Some of these causes are due to medical conditions, such as when the pancreas becomes damaged. Other causes are due to conditions that affect a person's hormones, such as when someone has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Pregnancy can increase the risk of developing diabetes. This is because pregnant women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Women who have gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Chronic stress can lead to an increase in cortisol, which can cause insulin resistance and increase the risk of diabetes.

Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing diabetes. Drinking too much can damage the liver, which can affect your body's production of insulin. This can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Treatment and prevention

There are many ways to prevent problems from occurring and to get help if problems do occur. Treatment can help people feel better and can sometimes help prevent problems from getting worse.

Treating diabetes involves making changes to your lifestyle, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity. If lifestyle changes aren't enough, medication may also be needed to help control blood sugar levels.

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular physical activity can help reduce your risk of diabetes.

People with diabetes sometimes need to take medications to help control their blood sugar levels. Sometimes, these medications need to be taken by mouth. And sometimes people with diabetes need to take other medications to help manage their blood sugar.

Complications from diabetes

Over time, uncontrolled diabetes leads to many complications that affect different parts of the body.

People with diabetes are at increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and other health problems. Diabetes can have a big impact on your eyes. This can include problems with your vision, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Additionally, nerve damage can occur in people with diabetes, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain. In some cases, this can lead to problems with your mobility and balance.

People with diabetes often have foot problems due to high blood sugar levels. This can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the foot, which can reduce the rate of infection and injury. In some cases, amputation may be necessary.

To prevent complications from diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control and see your doctor regularly. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking can help reduce your risk of complications. If you are ever worried about your blood sugar level, tell your doctor right away. Early detection and treatment of complications are key to effectively managing diabetes and preventing long-term damage.

Diabetes is a disease that can lead to many serious complications, but with careful management and a healthy lifestyle, people with diabetes can reduce the risk of these complications and live healthy life.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous if not managed properly. Controlling diabetes requires maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood sugar levels. Medicines or insulin therapy may also be prescribed to help control blood sugar levels. It's also important to have regular checkups with your healthcare provider to detect any complications and get help managing your diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can be managed with the help of a healthcare team. People with diabetes need to take care of themselves and work with their team to stay healthy.