A Complete Guide to Understanding Diabetes

Have you ever stopped to think that often a lack of knowledge about a certain condition can be as harmful as the health problem itself?

Diabetes is a clear example of this. Understanding this condition not only helps us to better deal with it, but also allows us to take preventive measures.

In this post I created a complete guide, where we will dive into the world of diabetes. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or are simply interested in learning a little more, you’ll find everything you need here. Follow along!

What is diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus, or simply diabetes as it is popularly known, is a chronic condition that affects the way our body deals with glucose, which is the sugar in the blood that provides energy for the body’s cells. .

Normally, when you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. Glucose then needs to enter cells to be used for energy. But for this to happen, glucose needs insulin, a hormone that is produced in the pancreas.

However, in people with the diabetes, this process ends up not working correctly. As a consequence, glucose levels tend to become high.

Types of diabetes and their differences

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Check out a short description of each one below:

Type 1 Diabetes

In this type of diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin or does not produce the required amount. Remembering that insulin is an essential hormone to allow glucose to enter the body’s cells and be converted into energy.

It is usually diagnosed in children and young people, but it can occur at any age. Patients require daily insulin injections to live with the condition.

Type 2 Diabetes

In type 2, the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces. These cases are directly associated with lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of physical exercise, excess weight, among others. It is the most common type of diabetes and can be controlled with medication, diet and exercise.

Gestational diabetes

As its name clearly indicates, this type occurs during pregnancy, when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the additional needs during pregnancy.

It usually disappears after giving birth. It is worth noting that women who have had this type of condition have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes throughout their lives.

Risk factors for developing this condition

There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of an individual developing diabetes. I will list the main ones below:

• Obesity or overweight: Excess weight, especially when concentrated in the abdominal region, increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity is another important risk factor. Exercise helps control weight, increases insulin sensitivity and regulates blood glucose levels.
• Poor diet: A diet rich in processed foods, refined sugars, saturated fats and low in fiber can increase the risk of suffering from this condition.
• Family history: Having close relatives, such as parents and siblings with diabetes, increases the risk of developing this clinical problem.
• Hypertension and high cholesterol: These health problems increase the risk of developing the condition, especially when not controlled properly

Common symptoms

Here are some of the most common symptoms of diabetes:

• Frequent urination;
• Fatigue;
• Constant hunger;
• Blurred vision;
• Weight loss for no apparent reason;
• Wounds that heal slowly;
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

Diabetes diagnosis and testing

The diagnosis of diabetes is usually carried out through tests such as fasting blood glucose, which checks blood sugar levels after a period of fasting, and the oral glucose tolerance test, which monitors blood sugar levels. glucose after ingestion of a glucose solution.

The glycated hemoglobin test provides insight into long-term glycemic control. Elevated values ​​in any of these tests may be reasons to obtain a diagnosis of this condition.

It is important to mention that early diagnosis is essential to avoid serious complications

Conclusion

Despite being a complex and challenging condition, diabetes does not need to be an obstacle to a full and healthy life. With understanding, education and adequate support, it is perfectly possible to achieve a better quality of life, even with the diagnosis of the diabtes.

Remember, knowledge is power, and with the right resources and self-care, you can not only manage, but also live a full life, even while living with diabetes. If in doubt, consult a doctor.