What is Diabetes: Types, Symptoms, Treatment

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by increased blood sugar levels due to a failure in the body’s process of producing or using insulin.

The disease can have serious health consequences, including heart problems, strokes, kidney problems and even vision loss. It is important for people to understand diabetes and how it affects the body so that they can take preventive measures and successfully manage the disease.

In this article, we’ll explore more about it, including the causes, symptoms, treatments, and preventative measures. We’ll also discuss how diabetes can affect different parts of the body and how patients can manage their condition to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Know more!

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes glucose (sugar) in the blood. When a person has diabetes, their body does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it produces, resulting in high blood sugar levels.

And for those who don’t know, insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose. There are several types of diabetes, the most common being type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Understand better how each of them works in the following topic.

Read too:

– High Glycemia: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, How to Measure It
– Apps to measure glucose

What are the types of diabetes and their symptoms?

type 1 diabetes

Type 1 usually develops in childhood or adolescence and is caused by a failure of the immune system to attack and destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and hunger;
• Frequent urination;
• Fatigue;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Blurred vision;
• Frequent infections.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 is more common in adults and is related to risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle and family history of diabetes.

Symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and hunger;
• Frequent urination;
• Fatigue;
• Blurred vision;
• Frequent infections;
• Wounds that take a long time to heal;
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women and usually goes away after giving birth, although it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Symptoms can include:

• Increased thirst and hunger;
• Frequent urination;
• Fatigue;
• Blurred vision;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Frequent infections;
• Wounds that take a long time to heal;
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.

It is important to remember that not everyone with diabetes will have symptoms and that in some cases symptoms may be mild and go unnoticed. Therefore, it is important to have routine tests to detect diabetes early and start the appropriate treatment.

How does a person acquire diabetes?

Diabetes can be acquired in different ways, depending on the type of disease. Here are the main causes of each type of diabetes:

type 1 diabetes

The exact cause is unknown, but it is known to be an autoimmune disease, meaning the person’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is believed that genetic and environmental factors may be involved in the development of the disease.

Type 2 diabetes

The main risk factor is a sedentary lifestyle and obesity, which increase the body’s resistance to insulin. In addition, family history of diabetes, advanced age, poor diet and other health conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can also contribute to the development of the disease.

Gestational diabetes

During pregnancy, a woman’s body produces hormones that can hinder insulin action, which can lead to increased blood glucose. Generally, gestational diabetes disappears after

When is it already considered diabetic?

A person is considered diabetic when they have chronically high blood glucose levels. The diagnosis of diabetes is made through blood tests that measure the amount of glucose in the fasting blood or after a sugar overload.

Reference values ​​for diagnosing diabetes may vary according to the person’s age, family history, and other health conditions. However, in general, the values ​​considered normal are:

• Fasting blood glucose: between 70 and 99 mg/dL;
• Blood glucose after two hours of sugar overload: below 140 mg/dL.

Values ​​above these indicate a state of hyperglycemia, which can be a sign of diabetes. However, it is important to remember that the diagnosis of diabetes must be confirmed by a doctor, who will evaluate test results along with other factors such as symptoms, family history and other health conditions.

In short, a person is considered diabetic when they have chronically high blood glucose levels, which can be diagnosed through blood tests performed by a doctor.

What are the treatments for Diabetes?

Diabetes treatment varies according to the type of disease and the individual characteristics of each person. Here are the main treatments for each type of diabetes:

type 1 diabetes

The main treatment is insulin administration, which can be done through injections or insulin pumps. In addition, it is important that the person maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly and monitor blood glucose frequently.

Type 2 diabetes

Treatment can initially be done through lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, healthy eating and weight loss if necessary. In some cases, it may be necessary to use oral medications to control blood glucose, and in more advanced cases, the administration of insulin may be necessary.

Gestational diabetes

Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and physical activity, to control blood glucose. In some cases, it may be necessary to use medication to control blood glucose.

Usually, gestational diabetes disappears after delivery, but it is important to monitor blood glucose after delivery and have routine tests to detect the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

In addition, it is important that the person with diabetes undergo regular medical follow-up and follow the guidelines of the doctor and health team to control blood glucose and prevent complications. In some cases, medication may be needed to control blood pressure, cholesterol and other health conditions that can be aggravated by diabetes.

In summary, the treatment of diabetes varies according to the type of disease and the individual characteristics of each person, and may involve changes in lifestyle, medication use and insulin administration. Regular medical follow-up and blood glucose control are essential to prevent complications.

If you or someone you know is dealing with the condition, this article will provide you with valuable information to help you understand and manage this chronic condition.

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