Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood glucose.
Cause of Diabetes:
Diabetes mellitus is primarily categorized into Type 1 and Type 2, with distinct causative factors.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes, more common, results from the body's inability to use insulin effectively, often influenced by obesity, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and, for Type 1 diabetes, possibly rapid onset.
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may be more subtle and develop over years.
Diagnosis:
Diabetes is diagnosed via fasting blood sugar tests, hemoglobin A1c levels, and oral glucose tolerance tests.
Diabetes is diagnosed through several tests, including fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, and A1C tests, which measure average blood glucose levels over the past three months.
General Principles of Prevention and Control:
1. For Type 1 Diabetes:
Currently, there is no proven prevention. Management includes insulin therapy, diet, and exercise to maintain blood sugar levels.
2. For Type 2 Diabetes:
Prevention and control are achievable through lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and monitoring blood glucose levels. In some cases, medication may be required.
3. Regular Screening:
Especially for those at risk (family history, obesity, and other risk factors) to catch and manage the disease early.
4. Education:
Raising awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and understanding the risk factors associated with diabetes.
Treatment
Treatment involves managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, monitoring of blood glucose, and medications (oral medications or insulin).
Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy, while Type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes and oral medications.
Both hypertension and diabetes mellitus are chronic conditions that require ongoing management and lifestyle adjustments. Early detection and intervention can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals with these conditions.