Diabetes is a health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it cannot use the insulin it produces effectively.
Types of Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type I Diabetes – is an autoimmune disorder where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin.
- Type II Diabetes – is when the body doesn’t use the insulin it produces effectively.
Causes of Diabetes
The exact cause of diabetes is unknown, but there are several risk factors associated with the condition, including:
- A family history of diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Being physically inactive
- Having high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood
- Having high blood pressure
- Having certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Feeling very hungry
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Cuts or wounds that take longer to heal
Treatment of Diabetes
Treatment of diabetes involves managing your condition with lifestyle modifications, medications and/or insulin. Your doctor will tailor your treatment plan to you and your particular diagnosis.
Lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating, regular physical activity and stress management are essential to managing diabetes. Weight loss and increased physical activity can reduce the amount of insulin and medications needed to control diabetes. Regular doctor visits and blood tests will help determine if your treatment is successful.
Medications are used to help lower glucose levels, or to help your body use the insulin it produces more effectively.
Insulin therapy is used for people with type 1 diabetes and for people with type 2 diabetes who do not respond to other forms of treatment.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious health condition, but with proper management and lifestyle changes it can be controlled. You should consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, so it is important to take control of your condition and manage it properly.
