Types, symptoms, treatment of Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that is very common in modern ages. It is represented by symptoms that can be easily overlooked.Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) resulting from a deficiency in insulin production or the body’s inability to effectively use insulin.
Diabetic Patients are individuals who have a medical condition known as diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) resulting from a deficiency in insulin production or the body’s inability to effectively use insulin.
There are different types of diabetes, including:
This type typically develops in childhood or adolescence, although it can occur at any age. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little to no insulin production. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels.
This form of diabetes is more common and usually develops later in life, although it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or does not produce enough insulin. It is often associated with lifestyle factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and genetic predisposition. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through lifestyle modifications, oral medications, or insulin injections
This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels that develop during pregnancy in women who previously did not have diabetes. Gestational diabetes requires careful monitoring and management to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Managing diabetes involves several aspects, including:
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for diabetic patients. This can be done through self-monitoring using a blood glucose meter or through continuous glucose monitoring systems.
Depending on the type of diabetes, medication may be required to manage blood sugar levels. This can include oral medications, injectable medications, or insulin.
A healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. This includes adopting a balanced diet, regular physical activity, weight management, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
Diabetic patients benefit from proper awareness about their condition,
1) Understanding how to monitor blood sugar levels
2) Administer medications
3) Manage their lifestyle effectively. Support from healthcare professionals, diabetes educators, and support groups can provide valuable guidance and assistance.
With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level.
More common in adults, type 2 diabetes increasingly affects the kidney. There’s no cure for type 2 diabetes, but you may be able to manage the condition by eating well, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight. If diet and exercise aren’t enough to manage your blood sugar well, you may consult a doctor for a better cure.
Diabetes followed by hypertension is a leading cause of kidney disease. As the burden of diabetes is growing, so is the incidence of chronic kidney disease. In a person with longstanding diabetes, there begins changes in the kidneys which when continuing unabated lead to irreversible or chronic kidney disease.
Late signs of kidney disease in patients with diabetes
As your kidneys fail, your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels will rise as well as the level of creatinine in your blood. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, a loss of appetite, weakness, increasing fatigue, itching, muscle cramps (especially in your legs), and anemia (a low blood count). You may find you need less insulin. This is because diseased kidneys cause less breakdown of insulin. If you develop any of these signs, call your doctor.
How many diabetic patients will develop kidney disease?
About 30 percent of patients with Type 1 (juvenile onset) diabetes and 10 to 40 percent of those with Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes eventually will suffer from kidney failure.
Tips to Prevent Chronic kidney disease in Diabetic Patients
- Eat a balanced healthy diet
- Limit salt intake
- Eat fiber-rich foods
- Exercise Regularly
- Avoid Surgery food
- Avoid smoking & alcohol
- Eat whole grains,fruits & vegetables
Prof (Dr) D Mukherjee is an alumnus of the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College, Pune where he did his MBBS & MD (Medicine). Subsequently he went on to do his DM (Nephrology) from PGIMER Chandigarh, which is the foremost training institution for nephrology in India.