Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb glucose from your bloodstream.
Without insulin, glucose builds up in your blood, which can lead to serious health problems.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type of diabetes you have and the severity of your condition.
Some common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Causes of diabetes
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. However, it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Genetics
- Obesity or overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Age
- Family history of diabetes
- Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Complications of diabetes
Diabetes can lead to a number of serious health complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy)
- Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
- Foot problems
- Hearing loss
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Treatment for diabetes
There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, or both.
Medications
There are a number of different medications that can be used to treat diabetes. The type of medication that is right for you will depend on the type of diabetes you have and the severity of your condition.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes that can help to manage diabetes include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Prevention of diabetes
There is no guaranteed way to prevent diabetes, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
If you have any risk factors for diabetes, talk to your doctor about how you can reduce your risk.
Living with diabetes
Living with diabetes can be challenging, but it is possible to live a long and healthy life with diabetes.
The most important thing is to manage your diabetes carefully and to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Here are some tips for living with diabetes:
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet for diabetes is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. It is also high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.
- See your doctor regularly for checkups.
If you have any questions or concerns about diabetes, talk to your doctor.
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