"Diabetes" is a common disease among many people in our country, and one that many people have. Perhaps someone in your family, a friend, or even you yourself is affected by this condition. But many people are not exactly aware of this. Some do not even know if they have diabetes. So today we will talk about this disease, or medically known as `(Diabetes Mellitus)`, in a very simple way that you can understand.
What exactly is diabetes?
Simply put, diabetes is a problem that occurs when our body produces a hormone called `Insulin` or when it uses the insulin it produces. Think of it this way: the cells in our body are like little houses. These houses need energy, or "fuel", to work. This fuel is "Glucose" or sugar, which is made from the food we eat. But in order for this glucose to enter the houses called cells, it needs a key called "insulin".
This insulin key is made by an organ called the ``Pancreas`` in our stomach. Diabetes occurs due to one or more of the following reasons:
- Your pancreas doesn't produce any insulin at all .
- The pancreas produces very little insulin .
- The body does not respond properly to insulin. We call this ``Insulin Resistance.'' It's like having a key but a broken lock on the door.
For these reasons, glucose cannot enter the cells and instead accumulates in the blood. This is when blood sugar levels rise, leading to diabetes.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition. But don't worry, it's completely possible to manage it well and live a healthy life.
What are the main types of diabetes?
There are several main types of diabetes. Let's understand them clearly.
| Type of diabetes | Simply put... | Who is most commonly affected? |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 Diabetes | The body's own immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body loses all insulin. Their main source of insulin is external injections. | Although it is often diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood (under 20 years of age), it can occur at any age. |
| Type 2 Diabetes | The body produces insulin, but the amount is not enough. Or the body's cells do not respond to that insulin (Insulin Resistance). This is the most common type in the world. | It usually occurs in people over the age of 40 and who are overweight. However, due to obesity, it is now occurring in younger people, even children. |
| Prediabetes | Blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes. This is like a warning. | Anyone who is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes is at risk. Lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of diabetes. |
| Gestational Diabetes | A temporary diabetes condition caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. | It occurs in pregnant women. This condition often goes away after the baby is born. However, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases later. |
Other rare varieties
In addition to these main types, there are rarer types such as ``Monogenic diabetes``, which are caused by genetic factors. Diabetes can also be caused by certain medications or other medical conditions.
What are the symptoms of diabetes? How do you recognize it?
The symptoms of diabetes can vary slightly depending on the type. Sometimes, diabetes can be present without any symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms of type 1 diabetes (can occur suddenly) | |
| Feeling excessively thirsty | The feeling of not being thirsty no matter how much water you drink. |
| Frequent urination | Needing to urinate frequently, especially at night. |
| Weight loss without reason | Being thin despite eating well. |
| Excessive fatigue and exhaustion | Feeling extremely tired even without doing anything. |
| Blurred vision | Some change in vision, feeling blurred. |
| Additional symptoms of type 2 diabetes (often develop slowly) | |
| Delayed wound healing | Even a small wound takes time to heal. |
| Itchy skin | Frequent itching, especially in the genital area. |
| Yeast Infections | Frequent yeast infections. |
| Numbness in the limbs | Tingling or burning sensation in the hands and feet. |
Gestational diabetes often has no symptoms, which is why it is essential to get tested for diabetes during pregnancy.
What tests are done to determine if you have diabetes?
If you have any of the above symptoms, or if someone in your family has diabetes, it's best to see a doctor and get checked out. There are several main blood tests to diagnose diabetes.
- Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test: A blood test performed after fasting for 8-10 hours (without eating or drinking anything other than water).
- A1c Test (HbA1c): This gives an idea of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
- Random Blood Sugar (RBS) Test: A test that can be done at any time of the day.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): A blood sample is taken after fasting, then a sugary drink is drunk, and blood is taken again after one and two hours to check the sugar level.
Based on the results of these tests, your doctor will determine whether you have diabetes or prediabetes.
Treatment and management of diabetes
There is no cure for diabetes yet. However, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes , it can be controlled very well and you can live a healthy life without any complications. The main goals of treatment are:
- Keeping blood sugar levels within the target range.
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Preventing other health problems (eye, kidney, nerve problems) that may occur due to diabetes.
Treatment methods vary depending on the type of diabetes you have.
1. Medications
- Insulin: Everyone with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes need to take insulin injections.
- Oral Medications: For type 2 diabetes, doctors prescribe pills like metformin. These help the body use insulin better or produce more insulin.
2. Healthy Diet
Diet is a very important factor in diabetes management. Sugar and sugary drinks, as well as starchy foods (bread, rice) can quickly raise blood sugar levels.
- Good things to eat: Vegetables, fruits (ask your doctor), greens, whole grains, lean meats, and fish.
- Things to reduce: Sugar, sweetened drinks, foods high in oil and fat, salt, processed foods.
3. Exercise
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, such as brisk walking or swimming, at least 5 days a week, can improve your body's response to insulin. It can also help you control your weight. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
Yes, you definitely can! While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes .
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, try to lose some weight.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- If you smoke, stop it.
- If you think you are at risk, see a doctor for advice.
If you need emergency treatment due to any diabetes-related symptoms, it is important to go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Take-Home Message
- Diabetes is not something to be afraid of, it is a condition that can be well managed.
- It is very important to follow your diet, exercise, and treatment regimen exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Be aware of the symptoms. If in doubt, seek medical advice immediately.
- Check your blood sugar levels and blood pressure regularly.
- You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially through a healthy lifestyle.
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