Diabetes : Types and Detailed Info.
Diabetes refers to any one of several kinds of carbohydrate metabolism disorder, wherein the body produces low quantities of insulin or does not use its insulin effectively. There are two primary types of diabetes: **Type 1** and **Type 2**.
1. **Type 1 Diabetes**
** What is it? ** Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This process eventually leads to little or no insulin.
** What causes it? ** It mainly is developed in children and young adults besides. However, it can develop in elder ages. It is unclear yet what causes this disease. But – "is related to the gene of the family and it is supposed that viruses also might trigger it." .
** Symptoms **
- Excessive thirst
- Back pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- **Is it dangerous?**: Yes, if not managed properly, it can lead to serious conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, which can even be fatal.
- **Treatment**: The treatment involves lifelong insulin therapy. Insulin is given through injections or via an insulin pump. It also includes a healthy diet with a controlled sugar intake and a regular workout regime.
2. **Type 2 Diabetes**
- **What is it?**: Type 2 diabetes is a case when human bodies are insulin resistant or do not produce sufficient insulin. It is the most common form of diabetes.
- **How does it happen?**: It mainly develops in adults but is usually related to some lifestyle aspects, these which include poor diet, inactivity, and obesity. Genetics play a huge role, too.
- **Symptoms**:
- Fatigue
- Increased hunger
Blurred vision
Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
- **Is it dangerous?**: Yes, Type 2 diabetes could lead to initial serious, and even life-threatening complications, including heart diseases, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and even possible blindness if treatment is not properly undertaken.
- **Treatment**: Treatment of Type 2 diabetes has to start with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet. Here, the emphasis is on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins, tempered with the avoidance of sugar and processed foods.
- **Regular Physical Activity**: Practice mild to moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- **Maintenance of Optimal Weight**: It is important always to maintain a healthy weight.
- **Medications**: Sometimes oral medications or insulin therapy are needed.
# Causes of Diabetes
The causes of diabetes are multifactorial. Some of the factors which could contribute to its development include:
- **Genetic Pow**: It may tend to run in families.
- **Lifestyle Choices**: Unhealthy lifestyles, involving sedentary behavior and the taking of foods that are not healthful.
- ** Obesity**: A major risk factor for insulin resistance is excess weight.
- **Hormonal Changes**: Hormonal disorders make a person more likely to have diabetes.
# Complications of Diabetes
This disease of later life has a host of pretty devastating complications.
1. **Heart Disease**: Diabetics are predisposed to risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
2. **Kidney Damage**: Diabetes may destroy the blood vessels of kidneys, resulting in kidney failure.
3. **Nerve Damage**: Diabetic neuropathy gives rise to nerve pain and loss of sensation.
4. **Vision Problems**: Diabetic retinopathy of the eye may result in loss of vision, blurred vision, or even blindness.
5. **Skin Infections**: Diabetes increases the tendency to have skin infections and lowered wound healing.
# Prevention of Diabetes
Various effective strategies are followed in preventing diabetes:
1. **Healthy Eating**: Take a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, and exclude food with added sugars.
2. **Regular Exercise**: Carry out exercises for at least thirty minutes per day.
3. **Weight Management**: Healthy weight can be able to cut diabetes risks by a considerable percentage.
4. **Regular Health Check-ups**: Monitor blood sugar and overall health with regular check-ups.
Conclusion
Diabetes means all these represent the serious condition that leads to the complications with health. Good control over diabetes is only possible with the means of a healthy way of life: regular exercise and balanced nutrition. Having diabetes means that one must follow the doctor's advice on the monitoring and treatment. If you have any other questions, then please ask!