4 Min Read
Diabetes is a metabolic condition that raises blood sugar levels. In simple words, insulin is a hormone that transports sugar (glucose) from the blood into your cells where it can be stored or utilised as fuel. When you have diabetes, your body may stop producing insulin, the body cells might not be responding to it as they should, or your body may not be producing enough of it.
Diabetes-related high blood sugar if left untreated can harm your kidneys, nerves, eyes, and other organs. However, you can prevent diabetes and lead a healthy life even after being diagnosed by it under the supervision of an expert doctor and by making mindful lifestyle choices.
November 14 is marked as World Diabetes Day, it is also an opportunity to spread awareness about the disease. We have the best endocrinologists in Jaipur who can treat all types of diabetes. Book an appointment with Manipal Hospitals to discuss or learn about various aspects of diabetes from diagnosis to treatment. Keep scrolling to know the types, symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.
Types of Diabetes
Following are the three categories of Diabetes:
Type 1
Diabetes type 1 is an autoimmune condition, wherein the immune system kills insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Uncertainty surrounds the attack's origin.
Type 2
A condition when the body resists insulin as a result the blood sugar levels rise. It accounts for roughly 90% to 95% of cases.
Diabetes Gestational
Diabetes gestational is a medical condition wherein the blood sugar level increases during pregnancy. This form of diabetes can also affect a baby's health.
What Factors Raises The Risk Of Diabetes
Following are a few factors that increase the risk of diabetes:
-
Obesity
-
Sedentary lifestyle.
-
Exposure to virus-based diseases.
-
Physical adversity (such as surgery or illness).
-
Having a family member who has type 1 diabetes.
-
Women with Polycystic ovary syndrome are also at risk.
-
A pancreatic injury (such as by infection, tumor, surgery or accident).
-
Autoantibodies, or antibodies that erroneously attack the tissues or organs of your own body.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The severity of diabetes symptoms is directly influenced by blood sugar levels. Symptoms may vary patient to patient. It has also been observed that the symptoms of type 1 diabetes appear suddenly and are more severe.
Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes can both cause the following symptoms:
-
Having visual problems.
-
Frequent urge to urinate.
-
Becoming worn out and fragile.
-
Feeling thirsty quite frequently.
-
Sudden weight loss without exerting effort.
-
Irritated or experiencing other mood swings.
-
Having wounds that take a long time to heal.
-
Recurring infections, including vaginal, skin, and mouth infections.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes
Testing for diabetes can be done using a variety of techniques during diabetes treatment in Jaipur. HbA1c, random, post-prandial, and fasting blood sugar tests are the common tests to diagnose diabetes. Urine routine microscopy is one of the additional tests for diabetes diagnosis.
Making modifications to one's diet, exercise routine, and other healthy behaviours is the first line of treatment for anyone who has diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar as near to normal is the main goal of any diabetes treatment. Treatment options for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:
-
Alterations in way of life.
-
Drugs such as metformin and insulin.
-
Switching to physical activity regimen.
Prevention Tips
The following dietary and lifestyle adjustments, which call for maintaining a healthy body weight and engaging in moderate physical activity, will help ward off diabetes.
-
Eat Right, Be Alright!
-
Choose healthy options like fibre and whole grains instead of fatty stuff. Fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are among the foods high in fibre.
-
Avoid eating refined carbs, which raise your chance of developing diabetes. Also, it is good to stay away from processed and packaged foods.
-
Skip Sugar
-
Similar to refined grains, sugary drinks have a high glycemic load, which increases the risk of developing diabetes.
-
To avoid gaining too much weight, turn to unsweetened beverages like water, green tea, etc.
-
Stay Active, Health and Happiness Follows
-
Having an active lifestyle makes the body work effectively. It will help the body produce and use insulin to further absorb glucose effectively. This does not imply that you should exert yourself in order to benefit.
-
The best activity for preventing and managing diabetes is walking. According to several studies, those who walk for 30 minutes each day had a nearly 30% lower risk of developing diabetes.
-
You may also indulge in some fun activities of your choice such as dancing, cycling, swimming, playing, etc.
-
Stop Smoking
-
Smokers have a nearly 50% increased chance of developing diabetes compared to non-smokers. Although quitting is difficult, you can gradually cut back on your smoking.
-
Make efforts to enhance your health. In consultation with an experienced endocrinologist in Jaipur, develop a diabetic care plan, adhere to it and manage your diabetes.
Following through on treatment as soon as possible following a diagnosis can help prevent diabetes-related health issues like kidney disease, eyesight loss, heart disease, diabetic foot and stroke.
Consultant – Endocrinology
Manipal Hospitals, Jaipur
Share this article on:
