What is Diabetes? Complete Guide to Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Management
1. What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by abnormally high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Our body uses glucose from food as energy, and the hormone insulin regulates this process. However, when insulin is insufficient or doesn't function properly, blood sugar levels rise, resulting in diabetes.
2. Causes of Diabetes
Diabetes can develop due to various factors. The main causes include:
- Genetic factors: Risk increases if parents or close family members have diabetes.
- Poor dietary habits: High consumption of carbohydrates and fats makes blood sugar regulation difficult.
- Lack of exercise: Insufficient physical activity prevents effective glucose utilization.
- Obesity: Weight gain increases insulin resistance, making blood sugar control challenging.
- Stress: Chronic stress can trigger elevated blood sugar levels.
- Hormonal changes: Gestational diabetes or endocrine disorders can also contribute.
3. Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is primarily classified into three types
(1) Type 1 Diabetes
- A condition where the immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas, severely limiting insulin production.
- Primarily occurs in children and adolescents.
- Requires lifelong insulin injections.
(2) Type 2 Diabetes
- The most common form, where insulin is produced but doesn't function effectively, resulting in elevated blood sugar.
- Typically develops in adults and is closely associated with obesity.
- May require dietary changes, exercise, and possibly medication.
(3) Gestational Diabetes
- Occurs when blood sugar rises during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
- May resolve after childbirth, but significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later.
4. Symptoms of Diabetes
Initial symptoms may be subtle, but as blood sugar continues to rise, various health issues can emerge:
- Extreme thirst and frequent urination
- Increased fatigue
- Weight loss (especially common in Type 1 diabetes)
- Vision impairment
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Delayed wound healing
- Frequent infections (skin, gums, urinary tract, etc.)
5. Treatment and Management of Diabetes
While diabetes cannot be completely cured, diligent management can help maintain a normal life.
(1) Diet Therapy
- Practice low-carbohydrate, low-sugar diets.
- Increase consumption of fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.
- It's important to limit refined carbohydrates (white rice, flour, etc.) that rapidly increase blood sugar.
- Reducing daily salt and saturated fat intake is necessary.
(2) Exercise
- Engage in aerobic exercises (walking, cycling, swimming, etc.) for at least 30 minutes, 3-5 times per week.
- Combining with strength training has the effect of reducing insulin resistance.
(3) Medication
- Oral hypoglycemic agents: Metformin, sulfonylureas, etc.
- Insulin injections: Necessary for Type 1 diabetes or severe Type 2 diabetes patients
- GLP-1 receptor agonists: Latest treatments with weight loss effects
(4) Blood Sugar Management
- Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential to check and regulate levels.
- Rapid changes in blood sugar can lead to hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic crises, requiring careful attention.
(5) Lifestyle Improvements
- Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption are essential.
- Adequate sleep and stress management are important.
- Regular medical check-ups are necessary for preventing complications.
6. Diabetes Complications
Neglecting diabetes can lead to serious complications
- Cardiovascular disease: High blood sugar increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy): Kidneys can become damaged, potentially requiring dialysis.
- Retinopathy (risk of blindness): Diabetes can damage vision.
- Neuropathy (tingling, pain in hands and feet): Nerve damage can cause sensory abnormalities.
- Foot ulcers and amputation risk: Poor circulation can delay wound healing, potentially requiring foot amputation in severe cases.
7. Diabetes Prevention and Healthy Living
Diabetes is a chronic condition requiring thorough management, but it can be effectively prevented and controlled through proper eating habits, regular exercise, and periodic health checks.
If you notice an increasing trend in blood sugar levels, it's important to improve lifestyle habits early and follow medical advice. Starting now, practice healthy eating and consistent exercise to prevent diabetes and maintain a healthy life!