High blood sugar (glucose) levels are characteristic of diabetes, a chronic medical condition. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the two most common types of diabetes.
The immune system of the body attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels
Type 1:
In type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections or an insulin pump to control their blood sugar levels, and this type of diabetes typically begins in childhood or adolescence.
Type 2
On the other hand, when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to insulin, type 2 diabetes develops. This type of diabetes is more prevalent and typically arises as a result of poor diet, inactivity, and obesity. Changing one’s lifestyle, such as losing weight, getting more exercise, and eating well, can often help control type 2 diabetes. Medication may also be necessary for some people with type 2 diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels in check.
Diabetic symptoms can include:
Frequent urination and increased thirst.
- Fatigue.
- The vision that is hazy.
- Wounds or cuts that heal slowly.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Weight loss with no explanation.
- Heightened hunger
Diabetes can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on its type and severity. In order to control blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes, insulin injections or an insulin pump are required. For type 2 diabetes, way of life changes like weight reduction, work out, and smart dieting propensities are many times the principal line of treatment. Meds like metformin, sulfonylureas, and DPP-4 inhibitors may likewise be utilized to assist with managing glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
There is no one “best” diabetes medication because each person’s needs and health status will determine their treatment plan. It is essential to collaborate with a medical professional to create an individual treatment plan that incorporates regular medical checkups, medication, lifestyle changes, and regular blood sugar monitoring.
The diabetes rate in the USA:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that diabetes will affect 34.2 million Americans in 2020, or 10.2% of the population. This includes cases with and without a diagnosis.
- The majority of adults with diabetes are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which affects between 90 and 95 percent of the population. Type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes are less common, affecting between 5 and 10 percent of all cases diagnosed.
- Over the past few decades, the prevalence of diabetes in the United States has been steadily rising. By 2020, the adult prevalence of diabetes diagnosis had increased to 9.7% from 2.5% in 1980.
- It is essential to keep in mind that the prevalence of diabetes varies according to age, race/ethnicity, and other factors, and that certain populations may be more likely to develop the condition.
How to reduce diabetes:
Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how your body processes glucose (blood sugar). Diabetes can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes and medication, but there is no cure. Diabetes can be reduced in a few ways:
Eat a nutritious diet:
Diabetes management requires a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eat whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables. Sugary drinks, processed foods, and foods high in saturated and Tran’s fats should be avoided.
Regular exercise:
Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, should be your goal.
Reduce weight:
Losing weight can help you control your blood sugar and improve your sensitivity to insulin if you are overweight or obese. Diabetes management can be significantly improved by even modest weight loss.
Reduce stress:
Finding ways to manage stress is important because it can raise blood sugar levels. Try yoga, deep breathing, or other forms of meditation for relaxation.
Keep an eye on your sugar levels:
Understanding how your body responds to various foods and activities can be helped by regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels. Discuss with your doctor the frequency with which you should check your blood sugar levels and the range that you should aim for.
Take your medicine as directed:
Make sure you take your medication according to your doctor’s instructions. Blood sugar levels can be managed with the help of medications like insulin, which can be taken orally or injected.
Give up smoking:
Diabetes complications such as heart disease and nerve damage can be exacerbated by smoking. If you smoke, discuss methods for quitting with your doctor.
Keep in mind, overseeing is a long-lasting responsibility, so it’s critical to work intimately with your primary care physician to foster a customized treatment plan that works for you.