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Diabetes is a disease
in which the human body does not generate appropriate
insulin levels or the body cells are not able to respond to
the produced insulin. The blood sugar remains high in this
disease. There are three major types of this disease. The
first type is called Type 1 diabetes in which the body does
not produce insulin. The second type of diabetes is Type 2
diabetes in which the body cells are unable to make use of
insulin. And the third type is called Gestational diabetes
which is experienced by pregnant women only during
pregnancy.
Blood sugar or glucose
performs very important function inside the body. It is
responsible for generating energy for performing every day
activities. The Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes are both
considered to be caused because of genetic problems. It
could also be caused by certain environmental factors or
even viral infections. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes
apart from running in families is mainly a consequence of
high blood pressure, high fat diet, high blood triglyceride
levels, obesity, high intake of alcohol, age and sometimes
gestational diabetes might lead to Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes comes
with dramatic symptoms. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes
comes with much more subtle symptoms. A person having Type 2
diabetes might not have any symptoms at all.
Fatigue is one of the
major symptoms of all types of diabetes. In a normal body
insulin turns glucose into energy which is required for
daily use. Since the body is unable to do that while having
diabetes so it turns to metabolizing fats for energy, using
up more energy as a result. So a diabetic always feels tired
and stressed out. Weight loss without any reason is another
major symptom of diabetes. Diabetic patients cannot process
calories so they lose weight even though they eat excessive
amounts of food.
Excessive urination or
Polyuria is another common symptom of diabetes. Extra sugar
in the blood is excreted through urine and might lead to
dehydration. Excessive thirst or Polydipsia can also be
experienced by diabetic patients. Excessive eating or
polyphagia is also commonly seen in diabetes patients. Since
higher insulin levels stimulate more hunger so diabetic
patients indulge in excessive eating.
Poor wound healing is
another serious problem of diabetic patients which sometimes
causes major problems. White blood cells which are
responsible for defending the body against bacteria cannot
function properly in patients with diabetes so these
patients are more prone to infections and wounds that take
longer to heal. Diabetic patients also frequently complain
about yeast infections, urinary tract infections, skin
infections as well as genital infections.
Prevention is the only
cure in case of diabetes. Individuals must take up a healthy
lifestyle with balanced diet and exercise in order to
prevent diabetes especially in cases of family history. On
the other hand, people who have diabetes can prevent
complications by taking insulin or medicines and again
maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a
balanced diet. |
