What is diabetes?
Diabetes is also known as diabetes mellitus and it is a condition in which a person has high blood glucose levels. This happens when the body is unable to convert sugar into energy due to a decrease in the insulin level. This causes the frequent thirst and hunger in the patient.
There are 3 types of diabetes:
1. Type 1 diabetes- People may develop this type of diabetes in their teenage, early adulthood or before the age of 40. People suffering from type 1 diabetes will have to take insulin injections for the rest of their lives. Such people will also have to follow a healthy diet and go for regular blood tests to ensure a normal life.
2. Type 2 diabetes- This affects about 90% of the world's population and is normally caused when the body develops resistance to insulin and it may get worse. Such people may have to take insulin in the form of a tablet. Generally type 2 diabetes affects obese people, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and those who eat unhealthy food most of the times.
3. Gestational diabetes- This type of diabetes affects women during their pregnancy and can be controlled with proper diet and exercise. Gestational diabetes must be diagnosed early during pregnancy to avoid complications during childbirth.
6 Symptoms of diabetes to watch out for are:
1. Frequent urination - The sugar level in the blood increases causing the body to discard the extra sugar through urine. That is why a person suffering from diabetes will feel the need to urinate often. If you suffer from such a condition then you must visit your doctor immediately.
2. Thirst - A person suffering from diabetes will feel thirsty and would be urinating often.
3. Unexplained weight loss - Water and calories are lost from the body in the form of urine. Despite frequent hunger and thirst, a diabetic person will lose weight.
4. Tiredness/ Fatigue - One main reason for a diabetic person to feel tired is that the body is unable to convert sugar into energy. This makes the person even more lethargic and tired all the time.
5. Blurred vision - Due to high levels of sugar in the blood, the lens in the eyes gets affected causing them to lose their flexibility. This makes it difficult for the lens to focus on objects thereby causing blurred vision. Diabetic people will have to treat blurred vision early to avoid it turning into cataract and even blindness.
6. Tingling sensation in the feet - High levels of sugar in the blood causes tingling sensation in the feet. A diabetic patient will also have a weak immunity system which will cause wounds and cuts to heal slowly.
Unfortunately type 1 diabetes lasts for a life time and cannot be cured. Type 2 diabetes can be treated with proper medications, diet and exercise. There are instances where people have been totally cured of type 2 diabetes. It is advisable that diabetic people follow their doctor's instructions thoroughly to avoid further health complications.
What are the complications due to diabetes?
Diabetes must be controlled to avoid complications in your health. Listed below are few of the diseases that might be caused due to diabetes;
1. Eye problems
2. Skin problems
3. Hypertension
4. Heart problems
5. Ear problems
6. Gum diseases
7. Stroke
8. Infections
9. Kidney problems
10. Depression
Most of these problems occur due to an increase in sugar level in the blood. This damages the nerves and causes tingling sensation in the feet. When a diabetic patient gets a cut or a wound, it takes a long time to heal and he may not feel any pain due to damage to his nerves. Eventually he may to lose his foot or leg. Diabetes can damage the heart and cause heart attack. Diabetes can also damage your kidneys and cause kidney failure.
Diabetes can ruin your life. Prevention is the best cure. Regular health checkups will help in identifying the problem in the initial stage itself and help in controlling it. A diabetic patient will have to follow his/her physician's recommendations religiously to avoid further complications. Sugary liquids must be avoided and healthy diet along with exercise must be followed to lead a normal life.
If you suffer from any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is highly recommended that you visit your doctor and get yourself examined for diabetes. Do not hesitate to tell your doctor about any of the minute symptoms. Take care of your body as you have only one to live in!
By Varsha Urankar
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