Diabetes is a condition that has an effect on how the body uses glucose, a type of sugar, which is our main source of fuel. We get glucose from the food we eat and when it enters our bloodstream, our pancreas releases a hormone called insulin which enables the sugar to get inside our cells for use as energy. However, if one has diabetes, the body either cannot make sufficient insulin, which is a characteristic of type 1 diabetes, or the insulin no longer works as expected because the cells are no longer sensitive to it, which typifies type 2 diabetes. Either way, the glucose cannot enter the cells normally, and thus the the concentration of sugar in the blood elevates, which brings about several symptoms.
Diabetes causes
The cause of DM depends on the type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes mellitus, for instance is hereditary, and then triggered by certain infections, just like Coxsackie virus. The mechanism is not entirely clear, however it is considered that after the infection, the body's own immune system eradicates the cells where insulin is created. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand is caused mainly by lifestyle and genetics.
Certain conditions and drugs can also cause diabetes. Exocrine pancreatic disorders and use of glucocorticoids, for example, can cause diabetes.
Diabetes symptoms
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients can go through the same symptoms. Disproportionate urination, increased thirst, and excessive hunger are the three most common symptoms of DM. Weight loss is also seen in many, but not all cases. Sustained high blood glucose can also result to microvascular changes that can lead to changes in vision and delayed wound healing. Symptoms may develop quickly for type 1 diabetes patients, while they typically develop over a longer period of time among type 2 diabetes patients.
Can diabetes be treated?
Sadly, there is no cure for diabetes. But, it can be managed to lessen its effect in your life. Treatment consists of insulin injections, oral hypoglycemics, changes in lifestyle, and periodic checkups. Left untreated or if poorly managed, complications like loss of vision, amputation, and multiple organ damage may happen sooner than hoped.
Prevention of diabetes
For type 1 DM, the answer is, sad to say, no. For type 2 diabetes mellitus on the other hand, being a lifestyle disease, can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight. This will entail following a healthy diet, for instance reducing your intake of simple carbohydrates, and making sure that you get adequate exercise. Avoiding vices including smoking and drinking are also crucial since these activities can speed up the onset of complications.
Diabetes causes
The cause of DM depends on the type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes mellitus, for instance is hereditary, and then triggered by certain infections, just like Coxsackie virus. The mechanism is not entirely clear, however it is considered that after the infection, the body's own immune system eradicates the cells where insulin is created. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand is caused mainly by lifestyle and genetics.
Certain conditions and drugs can also cause diabetes. Exocrine pancreatic disorders and use of glucocorticoids, for example, can cause diabetes.
Diabetes symptoms
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients can go through the same symptoms. Disproportionate urination, increased thirst, and excessive hunger are the three most common symptoms of DM. Weight loss is also seen in many, but not all cases. Sustained high blood glucose can also result to microvascular changes that can lead to changes in vision and delayed wound healing. Symptoms may develop quickly for type 1 diabetes patients, while they typically develop over a longer period of time among type 2 diabetes patients.
Can diabetes be treated?
Sadly, there is no cure for diabetes. But, it can be managed to lessen its effect in your life. Treatment consists of insulin injections, oral hypoglycemics, changes in lifestyle, and periodic checkups. Left untreated or if poorly managed, complications like loss of vision, amputation, and multiple organ damage may happen sooner than hoped.
Prevention of diabetes
For type 1 DM, the answer is, sad to say, no. For type 2 diabetes mellitus on the other hand, being a lifestyle disease, can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight. This will entail following a healthy diet, for instance reducing your intake of simple carbohydrates, and making sure that you get adequate exercise. Avoiding vices including smoking and drinking are also crucial since these activities can speed up the onset of complications.
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Diabetes is a long-term disorder that impacts different aspects of your life. Knowing as much as you can about the disease will help you avoid this disorder or manage it properly to reduce its impact in your life. Follow here to discover more about diabetes.
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