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Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way your body regulates blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body convert glucose (sugar) into energy.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your blood sugar levels may be consistently higher than the normal range. Over time, this can damage your nerves, blood vessels, and organs and lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
There are three main types of diabetes:
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Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease wherein the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells. The body can’t process glucose without insulin, resulting in high blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes is common in children and teenagers, but it can also affect adults.
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Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin effectively, resulting in high glucose levels in the blood. Type 2 diabetes affects adults. Recently we are witnessing this in children and teenagers as well.
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Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is caused by changes in hormones during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. It can cause high blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of complications during birth and for the baby.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes can be mild or severe. They may develop slowly or come on suddenly. Type 2 diabetes is typically silent in the first 2-3 years.
Symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are as follows:
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Fatigue
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Blurred vision
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Increased thirst
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Extreme hunger
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Slow-healing sores
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Frequent urination
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Frequent infections
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Unexplained weight loss
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Tingling or numbness of hands or feet
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a Consultant – Diabetes & Endocrinology at Manipal Hospitals to get the best diabetes treatment in Whitefield. They will check your blood sugar levels and provide the appropriate treatments for your condition.
What Causes Diabetes?
The exact cause of diabetes is unknown. However, it’s believed to be a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors including being inactive and carrying excess weight.
Risk Factors
Type 1 diabetes risk factors are less clear than type 2 diabetes risk factors.
Risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes are:
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Family history
If your parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes, you may also develop the condition.
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Age of Patient
Type 2 diabetes is common among people over 45 years of age.
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Obesity of Patient
Excess weight increases your risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Physical Inactivity
Lack of physical activity increases your risk of insulin resistance.
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Prediabetes of Patient
It is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
This condition among women causes an imbalance of reproductive hormones.
Treatment of Diabetes
Managing your diabetes is essential to prevent complications that may arise due to high sugar levels.
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Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
Managing type 1 diabetes typically involves only insulin injections. Checking your blood glucose levels on a regular basis is an important part of managing type 1 diabetes. It helps to maintain blood glucose levels and can help to identify trends in regard to how food, exercise, and medications are affecting blood glucose levels.
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Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Treatment of type 2 diabetes typically involves lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, as well as medications or insulin injections.
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Medications for Diabetes
Metformin is the most commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. It helps the body use insulin more effectively. Other medications that help the body produce more insulin and effectively use them include Sulfonylureas, Meglitinides, Thiazolidinediones, DDP4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP1 RA.
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Insulin Therapy
Insulin is the key treatment for type 2 diabetes. It helps the body use glucose for energy and regulate blood sugar levels. You can either choose to take insulin shots (injections) or use an insulin pump (inserted underneath the skin) that helps keep your blood sugar level within the target range.
To know more, consult with endocrinologist in Whitefield about the treatments and procedures of diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes to manage and prevent Diabetes include:
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Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
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Limit added sugar and processed foods.
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Get adequate sleep.
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Avoid smoking and alcohol.
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Manage emotional health & stress levels.
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Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
It is important for people with type 2 diabetes to have regular check-ups with their healthcare team to ensure that their treatment plan is effective and that they are managing their condition properly.
Women with gestational diabetes are advised to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and may need to take medication and/or insulin to keep their blood sugar levels within a safe range.
FAQs
Will Diabetes ever be cured?
Although, there is no cure to treat Diabetes, leading an active lifestyle with dietary changes, regular exercise, and adhering to medications can help manage and prevent diabetes and can lead to diabetes remission.
What are the complications of diabetes?
Health complications that are associated with Diabetes include chronic kidney disease, heart disease, nerve damage, and other problems with feet, vision, hearing, oral health, and mental health.
Consultant - Diabetes And Endocrinology
Manipal Hospitals, Whitefield, Bangalore
