Taking Steps Towards a Sweet Tomorrow:

Your Diabetes Solution

DIABETES TREATMENT

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. It arises when there is either not enough insulin or the body fails to utilize it as it should, consequently causing high blood sugar levels. If not well controlled, diabetes can lead to grave health problems. The following gives a detailed explanation of different types of diabetes, symptoms and treatment.

TYPES OF DIABETES

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Cause

Autoimmune reaction, in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin.

Symptoms

These manifest suddenly, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, sudden weight loss, fatigue and sight impairment.

Onset

Commonly occurs during childhood and early adulthood but may also occur at any stage in life.

Management

This entails lifelong insulin therapy with regular monitoring for blood glucose levels alongside adherence to a healthy diet plan plus workouts.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Cause

Insufficient response from cells towards insulin called insulin resistance coupled with eventual insufficiency of this hormone.

Symptoms

They develop they may be accompanied by tingling or numbness in hands or feet, slow healing sores, and recurrent infection, The same symptoms occured in type 1 diabetes.

Onset

Typically manifests after 45 years in adults, but currently, younger populations, including teenagers and children, are also affected by it more often than before.

Management

Lifestyle modifications (diet & exercise), medications taken oral medicines and insulin, sometimes together with taking shots of insulins.

SYMPTOMS

TYPE 1

  • As the body attempts to remove extra glucose through urine.
  • This is due to dehydration caused by excessive urination.
  • Even if you are eating, there is still not enough sugar in your cells.
  • Cells starve for glucose, while fats and muscles start burning down since insulin is absent despite eating more food to satisfy hunger.
  • This may be due to high levels of sugar in the blood that cause lens swelling.

TYPE 2

  • Just like type 1 diabetes.
  • Especially after eating food.
  • This condition weakens the immune system, making patients vulnerable to such ailments as yeast and bacterial infections, especially in women’s private parts.
  • High blood sugar levels can affect circulation and damage nerves, resulting in slow healing.
  • Because the cells are unable to get enough glucose.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Blood Tests

Fasting blood glucose test, PP2BS, oral glucose tolerance test and random blood glucose test, HbA1c

Medications

For Type 1 diabetes-Insulin, Type 2 diabetes-Oral medicines and insulin.

Monitoring

Regular measurement of blood sugar levels as well as HbA1c is done periodically to give an average of the 2-3 month's glucose levels.

Urine Tests

To check for ketones (in Type 1 diabetes) or glucose.

Lifestyle Changes

Healthy eating habits, physical exercises on a daily basis, managing one's weight and stopping smoking habit.

Education & Support

Diabetes self-management education and support groups that help individuals in managing their condition effectively.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of diabetes, especially if they are persistent or worsening. Early detection and treatment play a vital role in controlling diabetes and preventing complications. Regular checkups and monitoring are essential for those with risk factors like a family history of diabetes, obesity, or other conditions associated with insulin resistance.