Diabetes: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Diabetes, also known as ‘diabetes mellitus’. It is a type of disease that occurs when the sugar present in the blood is not moved to the cells to serve as energy for the body. 

This happens when the insulin hormone responsible for moving sugar out of the blood is not effectively used by the body, or where the body is not producing enough insulin.

Diabetes: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

  Let’s take a look at the different types of diabetes that we have.

   

   1.       Type 1 diabetes

This is found in about 10%of persons that are diabetic. Here the immune system fights cells responsible for producing insulin in the pancreas thereby making insulin below what is required by the body.

   2.       Type 2 diabetes

Where the body develops resistance to insulin, sugar will keep building up in the blood and if not addressed early enough can develop into other health problems.

   3.       Gestational diabetes

Insulin blocking hormones are usually produced during pregnancy, therefore, storing up sugar in the blood. It is common only to pregnant women.

   4.       Pre-diabetes

In this condition, the blood sugar is high but not as high as the case of type 2. If this type of diabetes is not controlled, it will lead to type 2 diabetes in the space of 10years.

Causes of diabetes

There is no specific cause of diabetes but there are factors that trigger it.

   1.      Obesity or over-weight can sometimes cause insulin resistance.

   2.      A previous victim of gestational diabetes or pre-diabetes.

   3.      Inactivity of the body

   4.      A previous victim of high blood pressure.

   5.      Increase in age.

   6.      When a person has autoantibodies also known as ‘damaging immune system cells’.

   7.      Damaged pancreas

   8.      Drugs such as anti-seizure drug, pentamidine drug (used in the treatment of pneumonia), psychiatric drugs, etc can disrupt the way insulin ought to function in the body.

   9.      Hormonal diseases that cause the body to produce an excess of certain hormones such as cortisol known as stress hormones etc. These hormones can result in insulin resistance hence diabetes.

 Symptoms of diabetes

Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for

   

   1.      Tiredness and hunger

Food consumed is converted into glucose which is supplied as energy for the body. The insulin needs to absorb the glucose before energy can be released to the body. Where the insulin rejects the glucose, the body will lack the required energy resulting in unusual tiredness.

   2.      Yeast infection

Glucose that is not converted to energy due to the inefficiency of insulin, allows an infection to thrive well because yeast feeds on glucose. Yeast grows around any moist and warm fold of the skin for example under the breasts, around or in the sex organs, etc.

   3.       Slow healing of wounds

Where there is a high level of sugar in the blood, this can affect the flow of blood thereby resulting in the damage of the nerve making it hard for the body to heal wounds.

   4.       Unusual loss of weight

When the body is unable to get the energy that ought to be provided through the absorption of glucose by the insulin, it starts burning down fats and muscles for energy which will result in loss of weight.

   5.       Vomiting and nausea

In a situation where the body burns down fats for energy, ketones are produced in the blood which makes one feel sick. A life-threatening condition arising from the production of ketones in the blood is called ‘diabetic ketoacidosis’.

 Remedies to diabetics

   

   1.       Low carb intake

  

Carbs are broken down into sugar by the body but a reduction in the consumption of carb will reduce the level of sugar that will be produced by the body.

   2.       Increase in fiber

Fiber can be found in foods like vegetables, whole grains, fruits, etc.

Fiber can be soluble or insoluble.

   3.       Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated helps the kidney to flush out excess sugar in the blood through urine. It also makes a person have a low chance of becoming diabetic.

   4.       Control level of stress

  

Hormones like cortisol and glycogen, are produced when the body is being stressed. These hormones cause the sugar level in the blood to increase. Relaxations and exercises should be concentrated on because it will help to lower the increased sugar level in the blood.

   5.       Sleep

  

Quality time should be spent on sleeping because it helps to keep the body healthy.

   6.       Berberine

This is a Chinese herb that has been used over the years to lower the level of sugar in the blood. It is known for its effectiveness.

   7.       Aloe vera

Research showed that aloe vera contains antioxidants that can help to repair damaged cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin. There are also capsules containing aloe-vera that can be taken by diabetic patients. Its juice can also be taken as a drink.

   8.       Cinnamon

It is a fragrant spice from the bark of a tree. Cinnamon helps to improve the level of fat, glucose, and insulin in the body.




9. Bitter melon

Taking bitter melon seeds, as juice or blended vegetables will help to reduce sugar. It is also called ‘mumordicacharantia’ and commonly used as Indian medicine. Its fruits can also be cooked.

Danger of diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can result in any of the following

   1.      Loss of vision resulting from an eye disease such as cataracts

   2.      Damaged nerves

   3.      Tooth loss and gum problems

   4.      Heart problems leading to conditions like stroke.

   5.       Damaged kidneys

Conclusion

Diabetes is a life-threatening disease if not controlled but good care and regular medical checkups will help the diabetic patient to manage it and non-victims to avoid it.