Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body converts food into energy, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Understanding Diabetes
The body converts food into glucose, a type of sugar, which enters the bloodstream. When blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that allows glucose to enter cells for energy. In individuals with diabetes, this process is disrupted. Either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance. This causes sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels.
Different Forms of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin production, requiring individuals to take insulin daily for survival. While it can develop at any age, type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in children and young adults, and its symptoms can appear suddenly.
Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively or cannot produce enough to keep blood sugar at normal levels. This type often develops over many years and is commonly diagnosed in adults, though it is increasingly seen in children and adolescents. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include genetics, being overweight or having obesity, an unhealthy diet, and insufficient physical activity.
Gestational diabetes develops in some pregnant women who have not had diabetes before. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar. This condition usually resolves after childbirth, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later for both the mother and child.
Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. This stage indicates an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Lifestyle changes can help prevent the progression of pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes.
Identifying Diabetes
Common signs and symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Slow-healing sores
For type 1 diabetes, these symptoms can appear rapidly, often within weeks or months, and may include nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains. Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop gradually over several years, and some individuals may not notice any symptoms at all.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests that measure blood glucose levels. The A1C test provides an average blood glucose level over the past two to three months, with an A1C of 6.5% or higher indicating diabetes. Fasting plasma glucose tests, which require no food or drink for eight hours prior, and oral glucose tolerance tests, which measure blood glucose after consuming a sugary drink, are also used for diagnosis.
Living with Diabetes
Managing diabetes involves keeping blood sugar levels within a target range. Healthy eating is central to management, focusing on balanced meals, portion control, and carbohydrate awareness. Working with a registered dietitian can help create an individualized meal plan.
Regular physical activity significantly improves insulin sensitivity and overall health. A recommended minimum is 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, at least three days a week. Exercise helps muscles use existing blood glucose and can lower A1C levels.
Many individuals with diabetes require medication or insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar. The type and dosage of medication depend on the specific type of diabetes, how well blood glucose levels are controlled, and other health conditions. Adhering to prescribed medications and insulin regimens is crucial for diabetes management.
Regular blood sugar monitoring is also essential. This can be done with a blood glucose meter, which tests a drop of blood, or through a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for those who take insulin. A healthcare team, including doctors, dietitians, and diabetes educators, provides guidance and support in managing the condition.
Preventing Long-Term Health Issues
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various long-term health complications due to consistently high blood sugar damaging blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. Complications include:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Kidney disease (nephropathy)
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Vision problems, potentially leading to blindness
- Foot issues, such as slow-healing sores and infections, sometimes leading to amputation
Consistent management of blood sugar levels is important in preventing or delaying these complications. For individuals with pre-diabetes or those at high risk for type 2 diabetes, lifestyle modifications such as achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and increasing physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition and its associated complications. Regular health checks, including eye and foot exams, are also advised to identify and address potential problems early.