Diabetes: What is it, what are the symptoms and how to treat it?

 

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that occurs when the blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body, especially for the brain and other vital organs. Glucose can enter the cells and tissues with the help of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin regulates the blood glucose level and prevents it from becoming too high or too low. Diabetes happens when there is not enough insulin production or when the body becomes resistant to insulin. This causes glucose to accumulate in the blood and cause various problems.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in a complete lack of insulin and requires lifelong insulin injections or pumps to survive. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence, but can also occur at any age.

Type 2 diabetes is more common and usually affects adults over 35-40 years old. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces enough insulin, but the cells and tissues become insensitive to it. This is called insulin resistance and is often associated with obesity, physical inactivity, genetic factors and aging. Type 2 diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications and sometimes insulin injections.

There is also another type of diabetes called gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. It affects about 4% of pregnant women and usually goes away after delivery. However, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and the baby.

Some of the common symptoms of diabetes are:

- Increased thirst and frequent urination: This happens because the excess glucose in the blood draws water from the cells and tissues, causing dehydration and increased urine output.

- Increased hunger and weight loss: This happens because glucose cannot enter the cells and tissues to be used as fuel, causing starvation and muscle breakdown.

- Blurred vision: This happens because high blood glucose levels damage the blood vessels in the eyes, causing swelling and fluid leakage.

- Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands: This happens because high blood glucose levels damage the nerves and impair blood circulation.

- Slow healing of wounds and infections: This happens because high blood glucose levels impair the immune system and reduce oxygen delivery to the tissues.

- Dry skin and itching: This happens because high blood glucose levels cause dehydration and inflammation of the skin.

- Bad breath with a fruity smell: This happens because high blood glucose levels cause the body to break down fat for energy, producing ketones that have a fruity odor.

Diabetes can be diagnosed with a simple blood test that measures the blood glucose level. There are different criteria for diagnosing diabetes depending on whether the person is fasting or not, or whether they have symptoms or not. The normal fasting blood glucose level is between 70-100 mg/dL (3.9-5.6 mmol/L). A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate occasions indicates diabetes. A non-fasting blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher with symptoms also indicates diabetes.

Diabetes can be treated with various methods depending on the type and severity of the disease. The main goals of treatment are to lower blood glucose levels, prevent complications and improve quality of life. Some of the treatment options are:

- Lifestyle changes: These include eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar, fat and salt, exercising regularly, losing weight if overweight or obese, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake and managing stress.

- Oral medications: These include drugs that stimulate insulin production, reduce insulin resistance, slow down glucose absorption or increase glucose excretion.

- Insulin injections or pumps: These are used when oral medications are not enough or not suitable for some people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Insulin can be injected with a syringe, a pen device or a pump that delivers a continuous dose under the skin.

- Other medications: These include drugs that lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides, which are risk factors for cardiovascular complications of diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to many complications if not treated properly. Some of these complications are:

- Heart and blood vessel disease: Diabetes increases the risk of many cardiovascular problems, such as coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis. This is because high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels and cause inflammation, plaque buildup and blood clots. People with diabetes should monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides regularly and take medications if needed to lower them. They should also avoid smoking, limit alcohol intake and follow a heart-healthy diet and exercise plan.

- Eye damage (retinopathy): Diabetes can affect the eyes and cause diabetic retinopathy, which is a condition that damages the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This can lead to blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma and even blindness. People with diabetes should have an eye exam at least once a year to check for signs of retinopathy and get treatment if necessary. They should also control their blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent further damage.

- Kidney damage (nephropathy): Diabetes can impair the function of the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. This can cause diabetic nephropathy, which is a condition that reduces the ability of the kidneys to do their job and can lead to kidney failure or end-stage renal disease. People with diabetes should have a urine test and a blood test at least once a year to check for signs of nephropathy and get treatment if necessary. They should also control their blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent further damage.

- Nerve damage (neuropathy): Diabetes can affect the nerves and cause diabetic neuropathy, which is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the feet, legs, hands or arms. This can affect the sensation, movement and function of these parts of the body and increase the risk of infections, ulcers and amputations. People with diabetes should check their feet daily for any signs of injury or infection and get treatment if necessary. They should also control their blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent further damage.

- Skin problems: Diabetes can affect the skin and cause dryness, itching, cracking, infections or poor wound healing. This can be due to dehydration, poor circulation, nerve damage or immune system dysfunction. People with diabetes should keep their skin clean and moisturized and avoid scratching or picking at any lesions. They should also control their blood glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent further damage.

- Dental problems: Diabetes can affect the mouth and cause gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath or fungal infections. This can be due to high blood sugar levels in the saliva, poor circulation in the gums or immune system dysfunction. People with diabetes should brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. They should also visit their dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning and control their blood glucose levels to prevent further damage.

Diabetes is a serious disease that requires lifelong management and care. However, by following a healthy lifestyle, taking medications as prescribed and monitoring their health regularly, people with diabetes can prevent or delay many of the complications and live a long and fulfilling life.