Diabetes: An Overview

2022-04-30 13:15:24

Symptoms-causes-remedies-of-diabetes-Aren’t we all accustomed to Modern lifestyle and the delicacies it offer? While we enjoy everything that modernity has to offer, it has given us plenty of diseases and illnesses.

One such disease is Diabetes and people of all age groups are prone to it. This was most common among elderly people aged 45 or above but in present times it is increasingly noted among children too. Here we will know the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and remedies of Diabetes.

Diabetes (or Diabetes Mellitus) is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. Insulin (produced by the pancreas) moves the glucose from the blood to the cells to be stored and later use for energy. In Diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin produced cannot be put to effective use.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin Dependent)-

This is usually common among children as well as youngsters. In this type of diabetes, your pancreas does not produce insulin and your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Those having this type, need to take insulin every day in order to stay alive. The cause and means of this type are not known so far.

Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent)-

Type 2 diabetes is the result of the body’s ineffective use of insulin. It is generally found among adults and old age people. People with diabetes generally have type 2. These are generally said to have Insulin resistance. This type of diabetes is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity.

Apart from the above listed common and most frequent types there are some uncommon types too which are-

Gestational diabetes-

It is a type that occurs usually during pregnancy. The glucose level shoots up during pregnancy. It goes away after the baby is delivered. The two categories under this are-

Class A1- This is easily managed and controlled by keeping a check on your diet and also proper exercise.

Class A2- This type of diabetes does not go away unless you take insulin or other medications.

Prediabetes (Impaired glucose tolerance)-

Prediabetes is an uncommon type. It occurs when your blood sugar levels are slightly high, but not high enough to be categorized as diabetes. The condition can also be considered as a warning sign. It turns to diabetes if proper measures are taken on time to prevent it. Impaired fasting glucose is a subcategory of prediabetes. In this, the sugar level goes up during fasting but it is not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes 

There are some common diabetes symptoms that occur in all types. Yo should immediately see a doctor if you notice any symptoms of diabetes. Get your blood sugar checked.

• If you urinate a lot, especially at night
• You keep feeling thirsty all the time
• Unusual weight loss
• Get frequent hunger pangs
• Eyesight problems such as weak or blurry vision
• Have a numb or tingling feeling on hands or feet
• Tiredness
• Skin problems such as having unusually dry skin
• Your sores heal slowly
• Easily catch infections

For Type 1 Diabetes-

In addition to the above diabetes symptoms, people with type 1 often feel nauseated, vomit, and stomach pain which can increase severely in a few months.

For Type 2 Diabetes-

The symptoms might not be noticeable for a long time. This makes it worse. It is better to look out for risk factors. As soon as you notice any changes in your body, immediately consult a doctor.

For Gestational Diabetes-

This does not have any added symptoms and only the common symptoms can be noticed, which are also rare.

Complications arising from Diabetes

This type affects major organs of the body and can be life-threatening in worse cases. It can cause complications such as-

• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Foot damage
• Skin and mouth conditions
• Nerve damage (Neuropathy)
• Kidney damage (Nephropathy)
• Eye damage
• Pregnancy complications

Type 2 Diabetes-

Listed below are some other factors in addition to Type 1 risk factors such as-

• Slow healing
• Hearing impairment
• Skin conditions
• Sleep apnea
• Alzheimer’s disease

Gestational Diabetes-

If you do not manage your gestational diabetes on time, your blood sugar levels may worsen and bring complications in your pregnancy resultant to which your new-born baby’s health might be affected. This results in problems such as breathing difficulties, and also low blood sugar. It can also cause shoulder dystocia (shoulders of child get stuck in the birth canal during labor-pain).

They are also at risk of developing diabetes later when they grow up. Pregnant women should get their sugar levels in control. This ensure the well-being of their offspring.

Diabetes Tests-

There are different tests for different types of diabetes and the normal levels also differ along with each test. Mentioned below are the charts for different types of diabetes:

Chart of Gestational Diabetes-

For Prediabetes and Diabetes-

Treatment & Prevention

If you are finding the answer to How to prevent Diabetes, know that it cannot be prevented or cured. We can control diabetes. This helps in avoiding the ill-effects of the disease. Listed below are the major control methods-

Lifestyle changes

Few lifestyle changes that can help you in controlling your increased sugar level are:

• Lose the excessive pounds by regularly exercising. Physical workouts such as Aerobic exercise and resistance training can also help.
• Consume a healthy, fiber-rich diet that is low in sugars, carbohydrates, and fats.
• Do not skip meals if you are on medication for diabetes as this may also cause hypo-glycemia.
• Try not to take any kind of stress.
• QUIT SMOKING.
• Limit your alcohol consumption.

Home Remedies-

Home remedies may help to control blood glucose levels and prevent further complications. These remedies are:

• Consume natural ingredients such as cinnamon, aloe-vera, and fenugreek seeds. These also regulate glucose levels naturally.
• Taking proper care of foot also helps to prevent severity. Try ‘Aarogyam Shakti Diaba free Lotion’. It would help in providing moisturizer to the palms and feet soles. It also keep your sugar levels checked.

Alternative Treatments-

Acupuncture-

This procedure triggers the release of natural painkillers of the body. It works by inserting very thin needles into certain points on your skin. This is also a great therapy for diabetes.

Biofeedback-

This technique lays emphasis on relaxation. With this technique, you become aware of your body’s response to pain and also ways to handle it.

Guided imagery-

This is a relaxation technique that helps in relieving stress. It guides your imagination and makes you think of beautiful landscapes. This would also help you in staying positive which would ease your condition.

Plant Foods-

Consuming Brewer’s yeast, Buckwheat, Broccoli and other related greens. Ingredients such as Cinnamon, Cloves can also help. Coffee, Okra, Leafy greens, Fenugreek seeds, and Sage also keeps a check on your increased glucose levels.