A Brief Introduction

In simple terms, diabetes is a metabolic condition that results to high blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone in the body that breaks down sugar and stores it for energy. But what happens in diabetes is that the body does not make enough insulin or cannot utilise the insulin it makes, leading to an excessive build-up of sugar.

 

Types of Diabetes

There are two major types of diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 occurs when the immune system of the body fights against the cells that produce insulin while Type 2 occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin.

Other types include Gestational diabetes (occurs during pregnancy) and prediabetes (occurs when blood sugar is periodically higher than normal but not too high to cause a full-blown diabetes).

 

Symptoms

• Extreme fatigue

• Increased hunger & thirst

• Sores that don’t heal

• Weight loss

• Frequent urination

• Blurry vision

 

Risk Factors

Your family, environment, lifestyle, or preexisting conditions can affect your odds of developing diabetes. You’re more likely to have diabetes if:

• You have a family history with the condition

• You are overweight

• You aren’t physically active

• You have HBP or high cholesterol

 

Treatment

Diabetes is treated with different kinds of medications, either taken orally or as injections. Treatment also includes insulin injections, regular monitoring of blood sugar, lifestyle changes such as exercising, eating healthy (zero sugar, low carbs, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats).

 

Can Diabetes Be Prevented?

Well, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented because it is an immune system problem. Some factors that cause type 2 diabetes such as genes or age cannot also be prevented.

However, there are other risk factors that are controllable such as your diet and fitness routines - this can be solved making better food and diet choices, increased activity and weight loss (if you are overweight).

 

It's World Diabetes Day tomorrow (November 14, 2020), make a pledge to a healthier lifestyle. 

Check your blood sugar level with OneLife Diagnostics Services to get started!