Causes and Preventions of Diabetes

DIABETES

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the
blood. This occurs either because the body is unable to produce enough insulin (a hormone that
helps regulate blood sugar) or because the cells in the body do not respond properly to the insulin
that is produced.

TYPES OF DIABETES
There are Two main types of diabetes

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1. Type 1 Diabetes: This type occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks
   and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with Type 1
   diabetes must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to regulate their blood sugar
   levels.
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2. Type 2 Diabetes: This type is more common and typically develops gradually over time.
   In Type 2 diabetes, the body still produces insulin, but it either doesn’t produce enough or
   the cells become resistant to its effects. It is often associated with lifestyle factors like
   obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet. Initially, it may be managed with lifestyle
   changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.
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3. Type 3 Diabetes: Gestational diabetes (which occurs during pregnancy) and various
   forms of monogenic diabetes (caused by specific genetic mutations).
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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES:

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1. Frequent urination
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2. Excessive thirst
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3. Unexplained weight loss (Despite eating more, individuals may experience weight loss)
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4. Fatigue
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5. Blurred vision
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6. Slow healing wounds
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7. Frequent infections
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8. Tingling or numbness in extremities
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9. Fruity Breath ( In type 1 Diabetes)
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MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES:

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1. Blood sugar monitoring daily by your healthcare provider.
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2. Healthy Eating by following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean
   proteins and healthy fats.
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3. Limit intake of sugary and high-carbohydrates foods.
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4. Regular physical activity like walking, jogging, swimming, or any activity you enjoy.
   Helps control blood sugar level and improves overall health.
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5. Medication management (If prescribed) as directed by your healthcare provider.
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6. Insulin Administration (For type 1 and 2).
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7. Regular healthcare check-ups for comprehensive checkup of your blood pressure,
   cholesterol, and kidney function, and eye examination.
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8. Foot care by inspecting your feet daily for cuts, sores, or signs of infection.
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9. Limit alcohol and quit smoking.
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10. Blood pressure and cholesterol control
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TREATMENT OF DIABETES:

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1. Type 1 Diabetes:
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• Insulin therapy
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• Multiple daily insulin injections multiple times a day, usually before meals by
  using combination of short and long acting insulin
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• Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions by using insulin pump that hat delivers
  a steady flow of insulin throughout the day with additional doses at mealtimes.
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1. Type 2 Diabetes:
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• Lifestyle modifications by dietary changes (adopting healthy diet and control
  carbohydrate portion) , Regular exercise, weight management.
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• Oral medications to help regulate blood sugar.
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• Injectable medications in more advanced cases (GLP-1 receptor agonists or
  SGLT-2 inhibitors : they both can lower blood sugar levels)
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• Insulin therapy if oral and injectable are not sufficient to control blood sugar
  levels.
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1. Gestational Diabetes:
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• Diet and Exercise manages blood sugar levels by balanced diet and it’s the first
  line of treatment.
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• Blood sugar monitoring
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• Insulin therapy (If needed)
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1. Monogenic Diabetes
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• Genetic counseling and testing to understand genetic mutation.
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• Individualized treatment based on specific genetic variation and its impact on
  insulin production and function.
  Untreated or poorly managed diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart
  disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems, and other issues. Therefore, it’s crucial
  for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels and work with healthcare
  professionals to develop a comprehensive management plan.
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