Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the body has trouble managing the sugar from the food. Normally, body uses a hormone called insulin to help move sugar from blood into cells, where it's used for energy. But in diabetes, either the body does not make enough insulin or it cannot use it effectively. This causes sugar to build up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels, which can cause various health problems over time.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes Type -1 (Juvenile Diabetes)
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition. In this condition, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
Different factors, such as genetics and some viruses, may cause type 1 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can develop in adults.
Even after a lot of research, type 1 diabetes has no cure. Treatment is directed toward managing the amount of sugar in the blood using insulin, diet and lifestyle to prevent complications.
Diabetes Type -2
Type 2 diabetes is the condition in which cells in muscle, fat and the liver become resistant to insulin. As a result, the cells cannot uptake enough sugar or the pancreas can't make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first-time during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how cells metabolize sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect pregnancy and baby's health. Gestational diabetes mostly reverses after delivery. However, both the mother and child are at a risk of diabetes type-II
Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, untreated or uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause problems for the woman and baby.
Complications for baby can be caused by gestational diabetes, including:
- Excess growth. Extra glucose can cross the placenta. Extra glucose triggers the baby's pancreas to make extra insulin. This can cause the baby to grow too large. It can lead to a difficult birth and sometimes the need for a C-section.
- Low blood sugar. Sometimes babies of mothers with gestational diabetes develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth. This is because their own insulin production is high.
- Type 2 diabetes later in life. Babies of mothers who have gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Death. Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to a baby's death either before or shortly after birth.
Complications in the mother also can be caused by gestational diabetes, including:
- Preeclampsia. Symptoms of this condition include high blood pressure, too much protein in the urine, and swelling in the legs and feet.
- Gestational diabetes. If patient had gestational diabetes in one pregnancy, it is more likely to have it again with the next pregnancy.
Stages of Diabetes
- Stage 1: Insulin Resistance
- Stage 2: Pre-diabetes
- Stage 3: Diabetes
- Stage 4: Diabetes with other chronic complications (Diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy and diabetic foot)
Sign & Symptoms
- Frequent urination at night
- Intense frequent thirst
- Weight loss or Weight gain
- Hunger pangs
- Blurry vision
- Numb or tingling hands or feet
- Tiredness
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Slow wound healing
- Higher risks of infection
Causes
- Genetic
- Diet
- Physical activity
- Autoimmune response
- Obesity
- Smoking
How Insulin Works in Body
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by a gland known as pancreas (Islets of Langerhans). The purpose of insulin is to transport intracellular glucose to insulin-dependent cells/tissues, such as liver, muscle, and adipose tissue.
- The pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream.
- The insulin circulates, letting sugar enter the cells.
- Insulin lowers the amount of sugar in the bloodstream.
- As the blood sugar level drops, so does the secretion of insulin from the pancreas.
Role of Glucose
To properly understand diabetes, it is important to discuss role of glucose in body. Glucose is a sugar, which is a source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues. Glucose comes from two major sources: food and the liver. Sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it enters cells with the help of insulin. The liver stores and makes glucose. When glucose levels are low, the liver breaks down stored glycogen into glucose. This keeps the glucose level within a typical range (70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) and 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)
Diagnostic Tests
These tests are done to diagnose diabetes and it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) test
- Random blood glucose test
- Fasting blood glucose test
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- BUN
- Creatinine test
- Total cholesterol test (including LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, etc.)
- Urine glucose test
- Urine ketose test
Complications
- Metabolic Ketoacidosis
- Autoimmune Gastritis
- Anemia
- Celiac Disease
- Hyper/Hypothyroidism
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Atherosclerosis
- Neurological damage
Medical Intervention
Diabetes can be treated through a wide range of medical interventions. However, the first line of treatment is medication, such as: Sulfonylureas, Biguanide, Thiazolidinedione, α-glucosidase inhibitors, Meglitinide or Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors along with insulin. The dosage of medication along with insulin is primarily prescribed by endocrinologist.
Diabetic Triad
Recent research suggest diabetes is a reversible medical condition. It is important to know that a diabetic triad is an effective strategy for diabetes management and reversal. Diabetic triad includes:
- Diet
- Physical Activity
- Insulin
Managing the diet according to the glycemic index helps to reduce hyperglycemia and lowers blood sugar level. In addition to this adequate amount of physical activity such as: Brisk Walk lowers the BSL and improves insulin sensitivity in body. Employing these strategies with prescribed units of insulin daily can help patients manage diabetes and improve quality of life.
Obesity and Diabetes
People who are obese (BMI < 24) are at a greater risk for development of diabetes. the association of diabetes with obesity is due to the accumulation of visceral fat around liver and pancreas. In addition to this visceral fat reduces insulin sensitivity in body that ultimately increases the risk of diabetes.
Conclusion
Diabetes represents a significant, potentially life-threatening chronic health ailment marked by either insufficient insulin production or cellular resistance to insulin. While the precise etiology of diabetes remains elusive, predisposing factors such as genetic predisposition, dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity are recognized as potential triggers. Management strategies encompass a multifaceted approach, incorporating interventions such as insulin therapy, pharmacological treatments, dietary modifications, and structured physical activity regimens to mitigate its impact and promote overall well-being.
