What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic medical disorder in which the pancreas fails to generate insulin, which is needed to transport glucose into our cells. High blood sugar levels develop as a result of this. Hyperglycemia is the medical term for a high blood glucose level. Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas produces. Insulin aids the production of energy from glucose by body cells. In the long run, hyperglycemia harms the body and can wreak havoc on the functioning of many organs.
Diabetes is dubbed the "Silent Killer" by medical professionals since it causes a slew of additional problems in patients. As a result, it's critical to keep diabetes under control in order to avoid the complications that come with it. If diabetes is discovered early, it can be effectively treated. Understanding diabetes and its adverse consequences on the body is critical for improved management of this condition.
How Harmful is Diabetes For Your Body?
Diabetes can have a lot of harmful effects on your body. They can be:
Stroke
A person with diabetes has a four-fold increased risk of stroke compared to someone who does not have diabetes.
Loss of Consciousness
When the body creates a high quantity of blood acids called ketones, a person may lose consciousness or perhaps go into a coma. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a significant diabetic condition.
Visual Disturbances
Damaged blood vessels in the eyes can create visual abnormalities such as floaters. This can result in blindness if left untreated.
Cataracts and Glaucoma
People with diabetes have a higher risk of glaucoma and cataracts than those who do not have diabetes.
Risk of Heart Disease
High blood pressure and damaged blood arteries place additional strain on the heart, raising the risk of heart disease.
High Blood Pressure
A diabetic is at an increased risk of acquiring high blood pressure.
Pancreas Malfunction
Your body will not be able to convert glucose into energy if your pancreas is malfunctioning or non-functioning.
Gastroparesis
The prolonged emptying of the stomach might be caused by poor blood sugar management. Bloating, heartburn and nausea are all possible side effects.
Frequent Urination and Excessive Thirst
Urination on a regular basis can be an early symptom of diabetes. One of the problems of this illness is excessive thirst and frequent urges to urinate.
Protein in the Urine
A high quantity of protein in the urine could indicate that your kidneys are damaged and not functioning properly.
Damaged Blood Vessels
If you have too much glucose in your body, blood flow is restricted, which can produce a variety of symptoms as well as damage to your blood vessels. It goes without saying that diabetics who smoke are at a higher risk.
Nerve Damage
Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which can make you feel like you're on pins and needles. A damaged nerve can alter your perception of cold, heat, and pain, leaving you exposed to a variety of injuries.
Dry Mouth
The body loses fluids at a faster pace when blood sugar is uncontrolled and high. This might cause dry mouth and cracked lips, which are common diabetes symptoms.
Foot Problems
Diabetic patients are more likely to develop calluses, infections, or ulcers on their feet. Nerve damage from high blood sugar and a reduction in circulation to your feet might cause this.
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Book an AppointmentTypes of Diabetes
Diabetes is divided into three categories: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. The patient's body does not create enough insulin in type 1 diabetes. Although the body produces adequate insulin in type 2 diabetes, it is unable to use it effectively. Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs only during pregnancy.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disorder in which the pancreas' insulin-producing cells are destroyed by the immune system. Beta cells are the name for these cells. Type 1 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in children under the age of 18. Type I diabetes causes a child's body to stop producing the vital hormone insulin. Type 1 diabetes in children has no cure, but it can be managed. An insulin pump or insulin injection must be used to restore the missing insulin. Advanced insulin administration and blood sugar monitoring have improved the quality of life and blood sugar management of children with diabetes.
Risk factors of type 1 diabetes:
- Overweight
- Lack of exercise
- Unhealthy eating
- Family history
Age, genetics, family history of diabetes can increase the possibility of becoming diabetic, which cannot be changed but lack of exercise and unhealthy eating can be changed.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition. This has an impact on how the body handles sugar (glucose). If left untreated, blood sugar levels will rise, perhaps resulting in significant repercussions. Type 2 diabetes was once only observed in adults, but with the rise in childhood obesity, diabetes is now prevalent in youngsters. Type 2 diabetes can be avoided by engaging in physical activity, eating healthy foods, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you detect any of the symptoms of diabetes in your child, consult a doctor.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of diabetes are:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Weight loss
- Blurred vision
Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetes
If the following criteria, one or more are met, diabetes should be diagnosed:
- Following a 75g oral glucose load, two-hour plasma glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/L
- Fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/ dl)
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Some of the symptoms of diabetes are:
- Frequent urge of urination
- Excessive thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Weakness
- Pins and needles
High blood pressure and diabetes are referred to be "silent killers" since many people have these problems but are unaware of them unless they visit their doctor for regular examinations.
It can happen without warning, and some symptoms are difficult to detect. Type 2 diabetes is a secret epidemic that, if not diagnosed and treated, can lead to catastrophic problems.
Sugar, as it turns out, is a silent murderer. Glucose levels rise and fall as a result of sugar consumption. Mood swings, exhaustion, and headaches can all be symptoms of an unstable blood sugar level. It also causes cravings, which starts the false hunger loop.