Do you want to know all about diabetes?
With the progress of the world new techniques and innovations are introduced in different fields of life and we work very hard from day to night to stand out with them.
Therefore we have no time to concentrate on our health and do not take proper diet due to which we fall out with many diseases. That’s why we should visit the hospital for a regular check up for diabetes.
The most common of which is diabetes that affects millions of people worldwide and becomes very severe if we do not manage it properly because it enters our lives silently and causes complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.
In this blog we are going to discuss the complexities of diabetes, exploring its types, causes, and modern treatments that bring hope to affected patients.
So by understanding basic factors and modern methods of treatment, we can guide both patients and their loved ones to enjoy a happy life.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases that are characterized by high blood sugar levels over a long period of time.
In this condition our body can not produce enough insulin that is necessary for our body to absorb energy. Insulin is a hormone that helps our body cells to absorb glucose from the blood.
If insulin hormone does not function properly as a result glucose cannot absorb and it accumulates in the blood to cause various health complications.
History Overview of Diabetes
The history of diabetes dates back to ancient civilizations. The first was talked about by the Egyptians in 1500 BCE, according to them it is as “too great an emptying of the urine.”
The term “diabetes” was used by the Greek physician Aretaeus in the 2nd century CE, meaning “to pass through,” that refers to excessive urination conditions observed in patients.
Later on, many researches and discoveries were made over centuries, to understand how treatment of diabetes evolved. With the discovery of insulin in 1921 by Frederick Banting and Charles Best, revolutionizing diabetes management.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is commonly classified into three types: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, traditionally known as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. In this condition beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin are attacked and destroyed by our immune system.This type typically shows during our childhood or adolescence. Which can be treated through lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for over 90% of diabetic cases. It can spread due to two problems. First one is due to not proper functioning of cells in muscles, fat and liver that does not take in enough sugar in the body.
The second one is pancreas can not function properly and make less insulin that are required to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.This type is often associated with obesity, lack of physical activity, and genetic factors.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes first occurs during pregnancy when our body becomes less responsive to insulin. Although it usually goes away after childbirth.
But it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and the child.we can get rid from this condition by taking a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables and limiting fat intake.
What Makes Diabetes Tick?
If you have a high level of diabetes please you need to take care for your health. You should check at home regularly. To prevent and manage diabetes, it’s crucial to know what factors contribute to it:
- Family Ties: If diabetes runs in your family, you’re more likely to develop it.
- Extra Weight: Carrying excess pounds, especially around your middle, can make your body resist insulin.
- Couch Potato Lifestyle: Not moving enough can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance.
- Junk Food Junkie: Diets high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed foods can spike your blood sugar.
- Getting Older: Your risk of Type 2 diabetes goes up after age 45.
- Ethnic Background: Some groups, like African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, are more prone to diabetes.
Spotting the Signs
Diabetes can show up in different ways, depending on the type and how severe it is. Keep an eye out for:
- Feeling super thirsty and running to the bathroom all the time
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling tired and cranky
- Blurry vision
- Cuts that take forever to heal or getting sick often
- Tingly or numb hands and feet
Stopping Diabetes Before It Starts
Especially for Type 2 diabetes, making some lifestyle changes and getting regular check-ups can make a big difference:
- Eat Smart: Load up on whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats to keep your blood sugar in check.
- Get Moving: Regular exercise helps your body use insulin better and keeps your weight under control.
- Watch the Scale: Staying at a healthy weight lowers your chances of insulin resistance.
- Kick the Habit: Smoking ups your risk of diabetes and its complications.
- Stay on Top of It: Regular blood sugar tests can catch diabetes early before it gets worse.
Figuring Out If You Have Diabetes
Doctors use a few different tests to measure blood sugar levels:
- Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): Checks your blood sugar after you’ve gone without food overnight.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures your blood sugar before and after you drink a sugary solution.
- A1C Test: Shows your average blood sugar over the past few months.
Modern Ways to Tackle Diabetes
Today’s diabetes treatments focus on keeping blood sugar in check and preventing complications:
- Insulin Shots: A must for Type 1 diabetes and sometimes needed for Type 2.
- Pills: Medications like metformin can help your body manage blood sugar better.
- New-Age Drugs: SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists not only control blood sugar but also lower heart disease risk.
- Lifestyle Tweaks: Eating right and staying active are key to managing diabetes.
- High-Tech Help: Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) give real-time blood sugar readings, making it easier to stay on top of your condition.
Common Medications for Diabetics
| Medication Class | Example Drugs | Mechanism of Action |
| Insulin Therapy | Humalog, Lantus | Replaces or supplements insulin |
| Biguanides | Metformin | Reduces glucose production in the liver |
| SGLT2 Inhibitors | Invokana, Jardiance | Increases glucose excretion in urine |
| GLP-1 Receptor Agonists | Trulicity, Ozempic | Enhances insulin secretion, reduces appetite |
| DPP-4 Inhibitors | Januvia, Tradjenta | Increases incretin levels |
| Sulfonylureas | Glipizide, Glyburide | Stimulates insulin release from pancreas |
Wrapping It Up
Living with diabetes means taking charge of your health. While there’s no cure yet, understanding what causes it, how to spot it, and the latest treatment options can help you stay in control.
By making healthy choices, staying informed, and using modern medical advances, people with diabetes can lead full, happy lives.
If you think you might have diabetes or are at risk, chat with your doctor about getting tested and creating a plan that works for you., work with your doc, and don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ve got this!