Chances are, you know someone with diabetes. And most probably, you know a little about the disease itself. Like for example, it has something to do with insulin and glucose. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), almost half of all deaths attributable to high blood glucose occur before the age of 70 years. WHO also projects that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death in 2030. Source: http://bit.ly/2eXPqZQ.
But how much do you really know about this disease? Here’s a quick summary to keep you informed:
- Diabetes is a prolonged ailment that occurs either when the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin or when the body cannot efficiently use the insulin it makes. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar.
- There are two types of Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes, which normally develops when you’re young. The pancreas stops producing insulin, so you’ll need to keep injecting insulin to stay alive. In this case, there’s no way of predicting or stopping it. Type 2 Diabetes on the other hand is generally hereditary and results due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Here, your body stops responding to the insulin produced, and in worse cases, medication is required to counter it.
- There is also what is called gestational diabetes. This occurs in about 4% of women during pregnancy. This condition often disappears after the baby is born. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing the disease later. It can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle involving a balanced diet, weight management and exercise.
- The most common symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, unnatural thirst or hunger, unusual weight gain or loss, intense fatigue, wounds that don't heal easily, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in your hands and feet.
- Uncontrolled diabetes can cause high cholesterol and blood pressure, which in turn leads to kidney disease, eye disease, nervous system disease, heart attacks and strokes.
There is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but Type 2 diabetes may be reversed with the correct lifestyle changes. The treatment for both types involves medicines, diet and exercise. If you are diabetic, consult your doctor regularly and discuss all the problems you are facing. Follow his/her instructions on managing your diabetes. If you are not diabetic, prevent this disease from entering your life by visiting your health care provider at least two to four times a year for a screening.