Diabetes: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

Nowadays, our unhealthy lifestyle and stress are the root of all major health disorders. Diabetes is one ‌such disease that is spreading rapidly worldwide. It is a long-term condition that arises when the pancreas fails to generate enough insulin or when the body’s insulin is ineffectively used.

Insulin aids in the transport of sugar from the bloodstream to cells for energy and improved functioning. Diabetes causes a person’s blood sugar levels to rise because of defective blood glucose processing and creates problems.

Diabetes is a major public health issue. And over the last few decades, the number of cases has significantly increased. So, it’s necessary to understand its causes and how you can prevent them.

But first, let’s understand its types.

Types of Diabetes

There are mainly four types of diabetes which are the following:

1) Type 1 diabetes, in which the immune system does not work properly and destroys cells in the pancreas, which is responsible for producing insulin.

2) Type 2 diabetes is the most common in which blood sugar levels rise due to the body’s response to the insulin hormone.

3) Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are relatively high but not as high as those of a patient with type 2 diabetes.

4) Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. When the placenta generates excessive amounts of estrogen, placental lactogen, and cortisol hormones, the body develops insulin resistance.

What are common symptoms?

Most early symptoms occur due to an unexplained shift or change in ‌blood glucose levels. The warning symptoms can be so subtle that they go unnoticed. Some people don’t realize they have it until they start having problems because of the disease’s long-term effects.

However, some of the most common symptoms and early signs of diabetes are the following:

1. Frequent urination
2. Increased thirst
3. Fatigue
4. Blurred vision
5. Increased Hunger
6. Unexplained weight loss
7. Slow healing cuts and wounds
8. Numbness in hands and feet
9. Skin discoloration
10. Yeast infection

Many of these signs and symptoms can also be associated with other illnesses, so they aren’t always indicators of diabetes.

If you’ve been noticing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a physician. Your symptoms can be reviewed by a physician, who can then conduct any tests that they believe are necessary.

What are the causes of diabetes?

The causes of diabetes can ‌ vary from person to person according to the overall health of a person’s body. However, there are multiple factors that can lead a person to diabetes, including obesity, unhealthy food, alcohol consumption, an inactive lifestyle, and age. Diabetes can also be inherited genetically.

Diabetes develops when the body is unable to produce or utilize insulin hormone properly. The following are some of the reasons why it occurs.

1. High cholesterol
2. High blood pressure
3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age)
4. Diets high in fat
5. Drinking a lot of alcohol
6. A lazy way of life
7. Obesity, sometimes known as being overweight
8. Aging
9. History of the family

How to control and prevent diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by a mutation in your genes. There isn’t any way to stop it. Type 2 diabetes risk, on the other hand, can be reduced through lifestyle changes such as healthy food and regular exercise.

If you have a family history of this disease, you should be particularly cautious. Stress management is a key component in lowering diabetes risk. Yoga can help you maintain emotional balance if you practice it regularly.

If someone has diabetes, the first thing the person should do is change their diet, exercise routine, and other health behaviors. It’s a condition that can only be healed in very particular circumstances. The main goal of diabetes treatment is to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.

The following are some of the methods that can help to control it:

1. Consume healthy foods

Increase the amount of fiber in your diet by including foods that are lower in fat and calories. Incorporate green vegetables, fruit, and dried fruits into your diet. Rather than focusing on a few things, try to add variety to your diet, and you can also seek nutritionist assistance.

2. Daily physical activity is important

One of the most prominent causes of diabetes is a sedentary lifestyle. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, or around 30 minutes on most days of the week. Cycling, swimming, and jogging are some of the sports or activities that you can enjoy.

3. Get rid of excessive weight

Losing extra pounds of weight is always better. Maintain a good healthy weight according to your height and age. To maintain a healthy weight, concentrate on making long-term changes to your eating and exercise habits. To stay motivated, keep in mind the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy, and enhanced self-esteem.

4. Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels

It’s critical to keep track of your blood sugar levels on your own. This reliable source simplifies meal planning, physical activity, and when to consult Physician.

Conclusion

Diabetes can be prevented by adopting a better lifestyle, avoiding sugar and processed carbohydrates, and changing eating habits. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or are experiencing symptoms in your body, you should act fast and make the appropriate lifestyle modifications. Also, Consult a physician if signs are severe. Check your blood sugar at least once a year to ensure you don’t get type 2 diabetes. Early detection will help you maintain control of your blood sugar levels and save you from severe consequences.