1. What Is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal for prolonged period of time, resulting in symptoms such as excessive thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, frequent urination, and numbness in feet and hands. When left unchecked, high blood sugar levels can lead to serious complications including heart attack, stroke, gum infections, kidney failure, nerve damage, and even death.
The two main types of diabetes mellitus are Type 1 and type 2. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), roughly 25 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes. Of those people who have the disorder, 10% to 20% experience some kind of diabetic complication.
2. Causes of Diabetes
The cause of diabetes is not completely understood; however, genetics play a big role. People who inherit certain genes are at greater risk of developing the condition than others. Other possible causes include being overweight, aging, and consuming unhealthy foods. Researchers believe that obesity may contribute to insulin resistance, which is a major factor in the onset of type 2 diabetes. In addition, many women who develop gestational diabetes are often obese before they become pregnant.
3. Risk Factors of Diabetes
Risk factors for diabetes include being older than 40, having family members who have the disease, being overweight, and smoking cigarettes. While these risk factors can increase the chances of developing diabetes, there are many people who do not meet these criteria and still develop the condition.
4. Symptoms of Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes vary depending on the type of diabetes and the severity of the case. However, the most common symptom of any type is excess thirst. If you notice that you are drinking more water than usual, pay attention to how much you are eating. Many individuals who suffer from diabetes also complain of feeling hungry frequently. If you are experiencing these symptoms, take note of them and schedule a doctor’s appointment right away. You should also check your urine for unusual color or odor. Diabetics tend to have red-colored urine due to the buildup of glucose in their systems. Women who have type 1 diabetes may experience painful urination. Additionally, diabetics may experience blurry vision, tingling sensations in their extremities, and extreme tiredness.
5. Treatment Options for Diabetes
Treatment options for diabetes depend largely on the type of diabetes. For example, if you have type 2 diabetes, then lifestyle changes and weight management are the best treatments. Exercising regularly and eating a well balanced diet are two of the best ways to manage type 2 diabetes. Your physician may also recommend medication for controlling blood glucose levels. A typical treatment plan includes taking oral medications twice daily. Insulin injections, or shots, are sometimes necessary if the medication does not work adequately. Another option is laser therapy, which involves implanting tiny lasers in the body under the skin. Laser beams are sent directly to targeted organs in order to help lower blood glucose levels.
