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. A high blood glucose level is known medically as hyperglycemia.

The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which aids the production of energy from glucose by body cells. In the long run, complications of diabetes can harm the body and 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. Therefore, it's essential to manage diabetes to prevent the problems that accompany 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?

The effects of diabetes on the body can be rather detrimental. These could be:

Stroke

A person with diabetes is four times more likely to have a stroke than a person without the disease.

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, heart burn 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

Nerve damage brought on by diabetes may cause you to experience 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.

Types of Diabetes

There are three types of diabetes: gestational diabetes, type 1 and type 2 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 condition where the immune system destroys the pancreas' insulin-producing cells, known as beta cells. Most people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are under 18. This condition halts the body's production of insulin, a crucial hormone. Although there's no cure for type 1 diabetes in children, it can be managed with insulin pumps or injections. Advanced insulin administration and blood sugar monitoring have significantly improved the quality of life and management for children with diabetes.

Risk factors of type 1 diabetes:

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 of Diabetes

The main symptoms of diabetes are:

Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetes

If the following criteria, one or more are met, diabetes should be diagnosed:

Frequently Asked Questions