Glucose is an essential source of energy for the cells of the body that helps in building up muscles and tissues. It also works as the brain’s main source of fuel. When your body isn’t able to consume glucose for the energy of the cells, this results in building up extra sugar in your body which leads to Diabetes.

Young children and adults are more likely to develop complications that can get further serious with more complications gradually over time. 

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes Mellitus is a long-lasting health condition where the body isn’t able to consume glucose as a source of energy for cells.

Our body will then not be able to produce enough insulin that’s needed to control the amount of energy needed by the cells and tissues. Insulin also helps to break down fats and proteins that will be consumed as a source of energy.

Furthermore, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, loss of vision, and kidney disorders.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIABETES?

There are three different types of Mellitus described below.

• Type 1 Diabetes

This is an autoimmune type where insulin-producing cells are destroyed and the pancreas isn’t able to produce insulin properly. Without insulin, glucose isn’t able to travel from the blood into the cells, resulting in high sugar levels in the blood.

Up to 10% of people have diabetes Type 1 at a young age. People are most likely to develop type 1 diabetes at the age of 13 years. This is also known as insulin-dependent where young adults have to take insulin every day.

• Type 2 Diabetes

In type-2 diabetes, the body is unable to consume insulin properly and maintain blood sugar at normal levels. It is very common as up to 90 to 95% of the majority of people are suffering from Type 2 diabetes. 

 

There are no particular symptoms that’s why it is very important to get your blood sugar checked regularly to avoid any kind of risk.

• Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is likely to develop in pregnant women who haven’t suffered from diabetes before. It can increase the risks of health problems for the newborn baby. 

This type of diabetes develops in some women during their pregnancy and usually goes away after pregnancy. However, if you have gestational diabetes you’re at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on in life.

RISK FACTORS OF DIABETES

The main risk factors of diabetes vary by type. But no matter what type it is, it can lead to getting excess sugar in your blood causing serious health problems.

Following are some major risk factors discussed that are most likely to be observed in the patients:

 

• Obesity / Overweight
• Family history (parent or sibling) having type-2
• High blood pressure
• Having low HDL cholesterol i.e. good cholesterol 
• Staying physically inactive.
• Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy 
• Suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?

• Frequent Urination

Due to increased sugar levels in the blood, kidneys try removing excessive sugar by filtering it out from the blood. This leads to frequent urination as compared to the normal routine.  

• Blurry Vision

High blood sugar levels can cause swelling in the eye lens. This can cause blurred vision but it is most likely to improve after the level of blood sugar decreases. 

 

• Slow Healing of Cuts And Wounds

The high sugar level in the blood can ruin the blood vessels and the body’s nerves. As a result, small wounds and cuts might even take weeks or months in healing. 

 

• Numbness In Hands Or Feet

Diabetes can affect blood circulation and damage your nerves. This can cause a sensation or numbness in your hands and feet.

This condition is known as neuropathy. It can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications if a person does not get treatment for their diabetes.

• Unexplained Weight Loss

Not getting enough energy from food will cause your stored body fats to be consumed as a source of energy. This results in sudden weight loss even though you didn’t change your diet.

Anyone who experiences possible symptoms of diabetes must consult a doctor immediately for a complete checkup to avoid getting into severe conditions. 

 

The Professionals provide effective care and treatment for all your health-related needs. Contact us to book your appointment now.