Diabetes General
Diabetes symptoms for the diabetes disease affects hundreds of millions of people all around the world. There are two types of this: diabetes type 1 and type 2. The body’s immune system from blood attacks and kill the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels, resulting in type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes on the other hand, is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, including obesity, poor diet, and lack of movement.
While the exact causes of both types of diabetes are still unknown, it is clear that both conditions result in high levels of glucose (sugar in blood) in the bloodstream. This can lead to a range of health problems over time, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, vision loss, others…
Despite de serious consequences of diabetes, there are ways to manage the condition and prevent its complications. Treatment typically involves regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, medication (such us oral medication or insulin administration), lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise). By working closely with their healthcare team and making healthy choices, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.
Diabetes Mellitus & Diabetes Insipidus
The other classification of diabetes is about a term used to describe a group of conditions that affect how the body processes glucose (sugar) in the blood. While most people are familiar with diabetes mellitus, there is another type of diabetes called diabetes insipidus that is less well-known.
The main difference between the two conditions is the way they affect the body’s ability to regulate water levels. In diabetes mellitus, the body is unable to produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that helps regulate glucose levels in the blood. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and a range of health complications over time. On the other hand, diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that occurs when the body is unable to regulate the balance of fluids in the body, leading to excessive thirst and frequent urination diabetes because of lack of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH).
While both types of diabetes share some common symptoms, such as increased thirst and urination, they are fundamentally different conditions with different underlying causes.
Diabetes mellitus is caused by problems with insulin production or action, while diabetes insipidus is caused by a deficiency of the hormone antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or a resistance to its effects. For these aspects we will take attention to diabetes mellitus and blood sugar metabolism.
Diabetes other classification
One of these classifications is prediabetes, also known as Metabolic Syndrome. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health complications, such as heart disease and stroke. Actually in Metabolic Syndrome we see an insulin resistance and insulin in higher and blood sugar is higher because of insulin resistance of the body.
The other classification of diabetes is gestational diabetes, which affects pregnant women. Gestational diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and other health complications for both the mother and baby.
While both prediabetes – Metabolic Syndrome and gestational diabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes, they are distinct conditions with their own risk factors and treatments. Prediabetes can often be managed through lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, while gestational diabetes may require medication or insulin therapy during pregnancy under medical observation.
Diabetes Symptoms
While there are different types of diabetes, they all share some common symptoms that people should be aware of.
One of the most common symptoms of diabetes is excessive thirst, also known as polydipsia. This is because high blood sugar levels can cause the body to lose fluids, which can make people feel thirsty all the time.
Another common symptom of diabetes is excessive hunger, also known as polyphagia. This is because the body is unable to use glucose for energy, so it starts breaking down fats and proteins instead, leading to feelings of hunger.
Frequent urination, or polyuria, is another common symptom of diabetes. This is because high blood sugar levels can cause the kidneys to work harder to filter out excess glucose, leading to more urine production.
Unexplained weight loss is another symptom of diabetes. This occurs because the body is unable to use glucose for energy, so it starts breaking down fats and proteins instead, leading to weight loss.
Fatigue and tiredness are also common symptoms of diabetes. This is because the body is unable to use glucose for energy, which can leave people feeling exhausted and drained.
Blurred vision, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and slow-healing sores or infections are other symptoms that can be associated with diabetes.
Type I diabetes can have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain. Type II diabetes usually does not have loud symptoms and appears in months 5-7.
Diabetes Complications
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to a range of complications affecting various parts of the body. These complications can be short-term, long-term, or life-threatening.
Some of the common complications of diabetes include transient infections, circulatory disorders including high blood pressure, kidney disease leading to renal failure, ketones in urine, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic arteriopathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic foot, increased blood lipids, and others.
Transient infections are a common complication of diabetes, and people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections. Circulatory disorders are also common in people with diabetes, which can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes can also damage the kidneys, leading to renal failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Ketones in the urine are a sign that the body is not using glucose properly and is breaking down fat instead, which can cause damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication that affects the eyes, causing damage to the blood vessels in the retina and potentially leading to blindness. Diabetic arteriopathy and neuropathy are complications that affect the blood vessels and nerves, respectively, and can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs and feet. Diabetic foot is a complication that can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, amputation.
Another complication of diabetes is an increase in blood lipids, which can lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is important for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels to prevent these complications from occurring. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing complications.
Diabetes Diagnostic
Diabetes mellitus can be diagnosed through various tests. Fasting blood glucose levels should be below 105-106 mg/dL or 5.9 mmol/L.
An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) can also be performed, where blood glucose levels are measured 2 hours after consuming a glucose solution. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels can also be measured, with levels below 5.7% being normal, between 5.7% and 6.4% indicating prediabetes, and above 6.4% indicating diabetes.
Insulin levels can also be measured to assess pancreatic function, as well as the HOMA index, C-peptide levels, insulinemia and other diagnostic tests. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate tests and to
interpret the results accurately.
Early detection and diagnosis of diabetes can help prevent complications and improve overall health outcomes.
Diabetes Treatment
While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
For those with type 1 diabetes, treatment involves the use of insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels. Those with type 2 diabetes may be prescribed oral medications, injections, or a combination of both.
Women with gestational diabetes may also need insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels.
In addition to medication, all types of diabetes require a healthy diet that is low in carbohydrates, regular exercise, and weight management. This can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.
It’s important for individuals with diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their individual needs. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and other indicators of diabetes is also essential to ensure that treatment is effective, and adjustments can be made as needed.
In some cases, additional treatments may be necessary to manage complications associated with diabetes, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and nerve damage.
While living with diabetes can be challenging, with the right treatment and lifestyle modifications, individuals with diabetes can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Diabetes Diet
A healthy diet is crucial in managing diabetes, prediabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome. Processed sugars, refined carbohydrates, and foods with hidden sugars should be avoided.
Alcoholic beverages and sugary drinks should also be eliminated. Meals should have a low glycemic index and low glycemic load, and should be consumed regularly, with a minimum of three meals per day.
For those who are at risk of developing diabetes, or who have prediabetes or Metabolic Syndrome, for those at risk of diabetes due to genetic causes, such as having a family history of diabetes, being overweight or obese, leading a disorderly lifestyle, or being sedentary, the Glycemic Flex program can be a suitable solution, in our vision actually the best, especially when combined with a continuous glucose monitoring sensor or at least with daily monitoring during key moments.
This program focuses on creating personalized meal plans with a low glycemic index and load, and can help prevent the onset of diabetes.
Why Glycemic Flex
Each person is unique and responds completely differently to the same food. If you want to find out how your body responds to a particular food, how much you should consume, or what you should avoid, Glycemic Flex shows you that in real time, being the best combination of theory and practice.
Additionally, when you haven’t done what you should, you have a few tools in latest technology with which you can intervene in real time.
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| ACADEMIC REFERENCE Diabetes manifestations PubMed Diabetes complications NCBI Diabetes prevention PuBMed | INSIDE REFERENCE What We do White Papers Why Weight Loss About Obesity |