Here are some common symptoms of the onset of diabetes

The World Diabetes Day was observed on 14th November, with this year’s theme being Family and Diabetes. Diabetes or high blood sugar is a metabolic disorder caused when the level of glucose in your blood is significantly high. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is what converts the glucose from the food into energy. It also aids in supplying this energy to the cells. However, any disruption in the production of insulin may shoot the level of glucose in the blood. Uncontrolled levels of diabetes may lead to severe health problems which could seriously affect the healthy and regular functioning of the organs as well. However, it is possible to lead a long and healthy life by bringing in some changes in your lifestyle and food habits.

Symptoms

Increased fatigue, thirst and unexplained and sudden weight loss are some of the most common symptoms of diabetes. Some may even complain of blurred vision and a constant urge to urinate. Frequent bacterial infections too could be a symptom of diabetes. In men, diabetes may cause weak muscles, lack of interest in sex or premature ejaculation. Besides the regular symptoms, women may suffer from bacterial infections in urinary tract, yeast infection, skin dryness and itching as well.

Types of diabetes

Type1 and type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes are the three main types of diabetes. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes have increased chances of having type 2 diabetes in the future. It is the hormone variations that are common during the gestational period that causes diabetes among pregnant women.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. This type of diabetes is mostly seen in children and youngsters. However, older people too may be affected by type 1 diabetes. Those who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes should administer a single dose of insulin daily. Medical researchers are still unclear about the reasons for type 1 diabetes. It must be due to the immune system destroying the beta cells that produce insulin in the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes is the condition when the pancreas may produce insulin but the body may not be able to effectively use it. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes that affects people of all ages. Unhealthy lifestyle is one of the primary reasons for this. Hereditary factors too could be the reason for type 2 diabetes. Obesity and lack of physical activity increases the chance of becoming a type 2 diabetic patient.

Monogenetic diabetes, a rare condition that is inherited and the diabetes related to cystic fibrosis could be rarely found in some people.

Treatment

It is important to consult a doctor and seek medical treatment if diagnosed with diabetes. The level of sugar or glucose in the blood should be regulated. Uncontrolled diabetes may cause serious health conditions like heart ailments, kidney failure, eye disorders, stroke, dental problems and nervous disorder.

How to control diabetes

It is possible to control and in some cases prevent diabetes. Since Type 1 diabetes is related to the immune system of the human body, there is nothing much to be done about it. However, as type 2 diabetes is related to the genes, it is possible to prevent or reduce the chances of getting diabetes. The researchers in the Newcastle University in the United Kingdom say that it is possible to reverse the condition even in people who have been diabetic for the past 10 years.

Controlling your body weight plays a vital role in regulating diabetes. It is important to exercise or catch up some sort of physical activity for at least half an hour daily. Whatever gives you a good cardio workout or raises your heart beats, even if it is your regular household chores, could be considered exercise. Try to make your meals as healthy as possible. Be wary about the Trans fat, saturated fat and refined carbohydrates in the food that you eat. You could increase the portions of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your regular diet. However, make sure that you eat smaller portions of food and avoid over eating. You could prevent diabetes by making some simple changes in your lifestyle and eating habits.

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