Diabetes | Complications, Risk Factors, Treatment

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the world's fastest-growing diseases, with 693 million adults expected to be affected by 2045. Diabetes Mellitus commonly known as Diabetes comes from the Greek word for “siphon”, which implies that a lot of urine is made, and the Latin word mellitus, which means "sweet."

Diabetes mellitus commonly known as diabetes is a metabolic condition, that causes high blood glucose levels in the body caused by flaws in insulin synthesis, insulin function, or both. Diabetes most frequently affects people in their middle and later years of life. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the most common chronic condition. 

You can read more about diabetes by clicking here.

Complications:

If diabetes remains untreated, high blood glucose levels damage many parts of the body. There are two types of complications associated with diabetes acute and chronic.

• Retinopathy
• Diabetic foot 
• Neuropathy 
• Nephropathy
• Heart attack
• Periodontal Diseases
• Hypertension
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Mental problems (Depression) 
• Sexual Problems in Male

                   Erectile dysfunction 
                   Decrease sexual drive.

• Sexual Problems in Female 

                  Vaginal yeast infection 
                  Urinary tract infection 

Risk Factors:

Who is at risk? people with

• Obesity
• Family history
• High cholesterol
• Age above 40 or 60
• Physical Inactivity
• Certain Race 
• Hypertension
• Medications
• Stress condition

Treatment:

Diabetes can be managed and treated with a variety of treatments. Because each person is unique, the therapy you receive will rely on your specific requirements. It also depends on the type of diabetes a person has. Generally, there are five major components of the treatment of diabetes.

1. Diet
2. Exercise 
3. Drugs And insulin therapy
4. Monitoring
5. Education

1. Diet

Diet is always a fundamental component of the management of disease.
The Aim of dietary modification in diabetes is to:

• Maintain blood glucose in the normal range.
• Ensure weight control.
• Provide nutritional requirements.
• Prevention of complications of Diabetes

Diet therapy:

• The intake of complex carbs, more dietary fiber, moderate protein, and a low-fat diet.
• Multigrain Flour should be Recommended.
• Add more fruits and vegetables to your Diet.
• Consume low-GI foods.

Foods not allowed:

• Table sugar 
• Excessive salt intake 
• Fried items
• Bakery items
• Processed items 
• Frozen foods
• White Four
• Canned foods
• Ghee, butter

Knowing what to eat and how much to consume might be difficult. You can Get a meal plan from Registered Dietitian that suits your lifestyle, food preferences, and health goals. This probably includes calorie counting.

2. Exercise

A daily walk of 20-30 minutes can be beneficial in improving glucose sensitivity.

Choose a physical activity like jogging, walking, biking, swimming, etc. 

Exercise:

• Increase metabolism of carbohydrates
• Decrease Cardiovascular disease risk factors.
• Improve Cardiac function and Reduce blood pressure.
• helps people lose weight and enhances insulin sensitivity, which lowers blood sugar levels.

Consider these things when you exercise:

• During workouts, wear appropriate footwear.
• Exercise should be avoided in extremes of temperature.
• Examine your feet every day Refrain from exercising when your metabolic control is weak.
• Never work out on an empty or full stomach.

3. Drugs and Insulin

Oral hypoglycemic Medicines:

In Type 2 Diabetes, oral hypoglycemic medicines are prescribed by doctors. They decide which is Best for your condition. These are the most common.

• Metformin-target insulin resistance
• Glyburide-target insulin secretion

Insulin:

It is used in the treatment of type 1 diabetes to manage blood glucose levels and acute conditions of type 2 Diabetes. Insulin cannot be taken orally. There are many types of insulin available on the market. Its dose and type vary from person to person and depend on the condition or severity of the disease.

4. Monitoring

Regular blood sugar monitoring is the most important thing you can do to manage either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. You will be able to monitor the elements that affect your statistics positively or negatively, such as dietary decisions, medication use, and physical activity.

Most blood sugar meters let you remember your data, and you may check your readings using an app on your smartphone. 

5. Education

Patients need to be taught how to take care of themselves (self-care). As a result, the patient can manage his or her own diabetes.

Self-care consists of:

• Monitoring of blood glucose
• Monitoring of Bodyweight
• Foot-care
• Personal hygiene
• Healthy eating, lifestyle, or exercise
• Determine the targets for control.