One of the deadliest illnesses in the world is diabetes. Many cases have been recorded all of the world, so professionals are looking for the most effective and efficient treatments. It’s important to know and understand as much as possible about the condition in order to prevent or treat it. If you want to learn more, feel free to read this article!
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, actually refers to a group of diseases which affect how the body uses glucose, or blood sugar. Glucose is very important for our health, because it’s a significant source of energy for our cells. It is also the main fuel our brain uses to perform its functions.
If you have any type of diabetes, it means you have an excessive amount of glucose in your blood. This can cause a lot of serious problems. Chronic diabetes conditions are categorized as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which we’ll discuss further below.
Diabetes: Symptoms
The symptoms of diabetes may vary depending on the amount of excess blood sugar there is. Some people, specifically those with type 2 diabetes, may no have initial symptoms. In type 1 diabetes, though, the symptoms may come on fast and strong. Both types may cause:
- Frequent infections like skin infections, gum infections or vaginal infections
- Sores that heal slowly
- Blurred vision
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Ketones in the urine
- Weight loss that is hard to explain
- Extreme hunger
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
Diabetes: Types
Below is a more detailed description of each type of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes: those who have this type of diabetes will need to take insulin injections for life, and they will need to make sure they have good blood glucose levels. This kind of diabetes can develop even in those under 40.
- Type 2 diabetes: 90 percent of the cases of diabetes all over the world fall under this type. Those who are obese and overweight are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but age is also a factor.
- Gestational diabetes: this particular type of diabetes mainly affects pregnant women who are unable to yield enough insulin for the transportation of glucose to the cells.
Diabetes: Causes
The causes of the condition depend on what type of diabetes it is.
- Type 1 diabetes: this is caused by genetics and various environmental factors, like viruses, which may trigger the condition.
- Type 2 diabetes: there are various factors that cause this type of the condition, including:
- Genetics
- Family history
- Insulin resistance
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Gestational diabetes: this type of diabetes usually occurs in pregnant women. It is mainly caused by hormonal changes in the body as well as some lifestyle and genetic factors.
What is Diabetic Eye Disease?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition associated with diabetes. It deconstructs the eye’s retina and may lead to total blindness. So what causes it? If there is too much sugar in your blood vessels, they can get blocked. In diabetic retinopathy, this can happen in the blood vessels surrounding the eyes and cause serious damage. It’s not an easy condition to reverse, but it’s possible with proper discipline and treatment.
Treatments for Diabetes
The main goal in treating diabetes is to control blood sugar levels. Each type has vaguely different treatments. Keep reading to learn more.
- Type 1 diabetes:
- A special diet
- Healthy exercise
- Insulin injection
- Type 2 diabetes:
- Insulin injection (when oral medications become ineffective)
- Oral medications
- Exercise
- A special diet
- Weight loss
