Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the body cannot use insulin properly or produce enough of the hormone. There are different types of diabetes, including: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes mellitus, occurs when blood glucose, or sugar, is too high. If you have diabetes mellitus, with proper care and management, it is possible to live a healthy, high-quality life. Lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, physical activity, and in some cases, medication can help control blood sugar. If left untreated, diabetes can cause complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.
Diabetes occurs for one of the following reasons
. The pancreas does not produce any insulin
. The pancreas produces too little insulin
. The body does not respond properly to insulin, a condition called "insulin resistance"
Types of Diabetes
. Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease in which the body loses the ability to produce insulin and requires insulin injections.
. Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type of diabetes, caused by the body's resistance to insulin or insufficient production of it.
. Gestational Diabetes: A temporary type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and may go away after delivery.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (called beta cells). People with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin and must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar. Symptoms usually begin in people under the age of 20, but can develop at any age.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin. However, either not enough is made or their bodies are resistant to insulin. In this case, not enough glucose reaches the body's cells and builds up in the bloodstream. This is the most common type of diabetes. It is a major cause of diabetes-related complications such as blindness, amputations and chronic kidney failure, which may require dialysis if diagnosed by a doctor. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in people over 40 who are overweight. But it can also affect people who are not overweight. Type 2 diabetes, sometimes called "adult-onset diabetes", is appearing in young people, especially in children, due to the increase in obesity. Some people can control their type 2 diabetes by losing weight, following a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Others may need insulin injections or pills to help their bodies use insulin better.
Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes begins with pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the ability of insulin to work properly. This condition occurs in 9% of all pregnancies. Blood sugar levels usually return to normal within 6 weeks after delivery. However, having gestational diabetes may increase a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Prediabetes
A condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. This condition is called prediabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. People with prediabetes usually have no symptoms. But it almost always occurs before type 2 diabetes develops. Some complications, such as heart disease, can start even when a person only has prediabetes.
A person should see a doctor if they have any of the following symptoms
. Fruity breath
. Dry or flushed skin
. Nausea
. Difficulty breathing
. Dizziness
. Vomiting
. Stomach pain
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually come on suddenly and can be severe. These include
. Increased thirst and hunger
. Dry mouth
. Urinating more than usual
. Unexplained weight loss
. Fatigue (feeling weak)
. Blurred vision
. Difficulty breathing
. Loss of consciousness
About 30% of people with type 1 diabetes experience a life-threatening condition that causes loss of consciousness, called a "diabetic coma," as the first sign.
Many of the health problems that can be associated with type 1 diabetes occur due to damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes (diabetic retinopathy), nerves (diabetic neuropathy), and kidneys (diabetic nephropathy). People with type 1 diabetes are also at higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
If you have type 1 diabetes, it's a good idea to make some changes, including
. Testing your blood sugar levels frequently
. Planning your meals carefully
. Exercising daily
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may be similar to those of type 1 diabetes. Often there are no symptoms or the symptoms are very slow to appear. Other symptoms may include
. Sores or cuts that are slow to heal
. Itchy skin (usually in the vagina or groin area)
. Hives
. Yeast infections
. Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
. Impotence or erectile dysfunction
Type 2 diabetes is usually milder than type 1. But it can cause problems with the small blood vessels in the kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Type 2 diabetes also increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Obesity often causes insulin resistance, so your pancreas has to work harder to make more insulin, but it still isn't enough to keep your blood sugar levels where they should be. Treatment for type 2 diabetes includes: weight management, a good diet, and exercise.
With gestational diabetes, there are often no symptoms or they may include
. Increased thirst
. Increased urination
. Increased hunger
. Blurred vision
. Note: Pregnancy itself can cause increased urination and hunger. So these symptoms don't always mean you have gestational diabetes. But it's important to get tested to make sure there are no problems for you or your baby.
Ways to prevent diabetes
. Healthy diet: Eat vegetables, lean proteins, and reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates
. Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of physical activity per week
. Weight control: Avoid overweight and obesity
. Stress management: Meditation, yoga, and getting enough sleep
. Avoid smoking and alcohol: These can increase insulin resistance
. Regular blood sugar monitoring: Especially for those at risk
Treatment options
Treatment for diabetes varies depending on its type
Type 1 diabetes
Insulin injections
Use of an insulin pump (an electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic device that injects insulin under the skin of diabetic patients according to predetermined patterns at the specified time and amount. This device completely eliminates injection problems and provides the patient with more appropriate control over other methods of blood sugar control)
Adherence to a proper diet
Regular blood sugar monitoring
Type 2 diabetes
Lifestyle changes: including a healthy diet, weight loss, and regular exercise
Oral medications: such as metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and SGLT-2 inhibitors
Note: Be sure to consult a specialist before use and do not use it arbitrarily!
. Insulin therapy: In some advanced cases
Gestational diabetes
. Control with diet and exercise
. Insulin injections if needed
Diabetes-Related Tests
. Fasting Blood Sugar Test: (FBS – Fasting Blood Sugar) If the blood glucose level is 115 mg/dl or higher, it indicates diabetes.
. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: (OGGT – Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) After consuming 75 grams of glucose, if the sugar after 2 hours is 200 mg/dl or higher, along with symptoms of diabetes, it can confirm the disease.
. Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test: (HbA1C) Shows the average blood sugar in the past 2 to 3 months. A value of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes
. Random Blood Sugar Test: (Random Blood Sugar Test) Blood sugar of 200 mg/dl or higher with symptoms of diabetes can confirm the disease.
. Urine Sugar Test: Used to check the excretion of glucose in the urine. But it is not enough to diagnose diabetes alone
. Insulin and C-Peptide Test: Used to check the function of the pancreas in producing insulin. Diabetes Antibody Test: Used to diagnose type 1 diabetes and differentiate it from type 2.
When should you see a doctor
If you have symptoms such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis of diabetes can prevent serious complications such as damage to the kidneys, nerves, and heart. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment plan by performing blood sugar tests and evaluating your condition. Controlling diabetes requires ongoing collaboration with your doctor and following a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body loses its ability to produce insulin and usually begins at a younger age. Type 2 diabetes occurs more often in adults and is caused by the body's resistance to insulin or insufficient production of it
What factors increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Factors such as: obesity, age over 40, high blood pressure, history of gestational diabetes, history of heart attack or stroke, smoking, increased blood lipids, use of corticosteroids, family history of type 2 diabetes, inactivity and multiple ovarian cysts can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Do all people with diabetes need insulin injections
No. In type 1, where the body does not secrete insulin, and in advanced cases of type 2 diabetes, where there is insulin resistance in the body, insulin injections are required. But in many cases of type 2 diabetes, blood sugar can be controlled by changing lifestyle and taking oral medications.
Is insulin addictive
No. Insulin is a natural hormone in the body, and taking its injectable form is no different from the natural hormone and is not addictive
What foods should diabetics eat so that their blood sugar does not fluctuate
It is recommended to follow a varied, balanced and appropriate diet. Consuming dietary fibers is important due to its properties in keeping blood sugar stable.
What foods are not suitable for diabetics
Diabetics should avoid eating high-fat, high-salt foods and sweets.
Is there a definitive treatment for diabetes
By maintaining a proper weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced.
What are the early symptoms of diabetes
Symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, unexpected weight loss, and blurred vision can indicate diabetes
Do children get diabetes
Yes, type 1 diabetes is most common in children and adolescents. However, type 2 diabetes is on the rise due to the increase in obesity in children.
Resources
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/types-of-diabetes-mellitus
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/symptoms-causes/sys-20371444