Understanding Diabetes: Types, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

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Introduction

Many people don’t even know that they have diabetes or the borderline and anytime sleep into one of the dreaded immunity-shattering diseases of the contemporary world health landscape. The most common is type 2 diabetes, which is manageable and near curable, unlike type 1. You get diabetes because of uncontrolled sugar or glucose levels floating in your bloodstream and not getting absorbed into the cells to generate energy. The cells do not accept this extra glucose because the vehicle carrying the extra glucose to the cells is either absent or the cells refuse to accept the request. This vehicle is the insulin hormone created in the pancreas. The condition gets aggravated when your pancreas does not produce adequate insulin.

Diabetes Common Types: Type 1 & Type 2

  • Type 1 is rare but can happen to all age groups, from newborn babies to adults. It is insulin-dependent, where the pancreas does not make insulin at all. They need insulin from outside via injections.
  • Type 2 can develop because of insulin resistance over a long duration or because of the risk factors.

The Risk Factors of Diabetes

Individuals predisposed to these factors are at a high risk of converting to diabetes.

  • Insulin Resistance
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary (inactive) lifestyle
  • Compromised Cardiovascular Health
  • High Cholesterol
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Genetically prone to diabetes
  • Poor Diet- Sugary Diet
  • Age- most common over 45 years
  • Ethnicity (genetics, lifestyle, and diet caused)- Black Americans, American Indian, Asian American, Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino.

Know You Have Diabetes–Diabetes Symptoms

Undergo the blood sugar tests (HBA1c) if you experience the symptoms.

  • Fatigue and Unexplained Tiredness
  • Blurred Vision
  • Dry Mouth and Excessive Thirst
  • Frequent Urination
  • Frequent Infections
  • Sores, wounds, injuries, cuts healing slowly
  • Tingling or numbness in extremities/limbs
  • Unexplained Sudden Weight loss
  • Excessive Hunger Pangs
  • Ultra Dry Skin

Treatments of Diabetes – Natural Options

You can easily manage and control your diabetes through lifestyle and diet plan changes and medications and eventually become diabetes free. Yes, it is possible. The first step is to stop doing whatever you have been doing to your health. The second step is to consult a doctor, health specialist, diabetologist, or dietician to chart a healthy, no-indulging diet plan. Head to the gym or Yoga mat every day for at least 30-45 minutes all 6 days. Go to bed early, get 6-7 hours of restful sleep, wake up to see the rising sun each day for the rest of your life, and walk on the tender morning grass drenched in dew for 15-20 minutes every day and see the change. Do all these regardless of whether you are on diabetes medications.

Other Contemporary Diabetes Treatments

Medications

Several medications are available to help manage diabetes. Although the medicines are safe and FDA-approved, we urge you to seek professional medical help before taking any, as they can cause moderate-to-severe side effects.

Metformin: A first-line medication for type 2 diabetes that helps lower blood sugar by reducing glucose production in the liver.

Sulfonylureas: Stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.

SGLT2 Inhibitors: Help the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine.

DPP-4 Inhibitors: Help increase insulin production and decrease glucose release from the liver.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Slow digestion and help manage blood sugar levels.

Insulin Therapy

For individuals with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes, insulin therapy is necessary to maintain blood sugar control. Administer insulin via injections or an insulin pump.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Insulin Pumps

Technology has significantly improved diabetes management with CGM devices and insulin pumps. These tools help monitor blood sugar levels in real-time and adjust insulin doses accordingly.

Diabetes can affect organs - Complications of diabetes

If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to severe health complications, including:

  • Heart Disease and Stroke
  • Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy)
  • Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
  • Vision Problems (Diabetic Retinopathy)
  • Foot Problems (Diabetic Foot Ulcers)

Regular check-ups, proper medication, and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or delay these complications.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a serious but manageable condition. By understanding the types of diabetes, recognizing the risk factors and symptoms, and adopting a proactive approach to treatment, individuals can lead healthy lives despite the diagnosis. Whether through lifestyle changes, medications, or advanced medical technology, managing diabetes effectively can prevent complications and improve overall well-being. If you or someone you know is at risk for diabetes, take action today by consulting a healthcare professional for proper screening and guidance.