Diabetes is a prevalent condition that affects all ages. Its global incidence is predicted to continue rising significantly, jumping from 529 million to 1.3 billion population by 2050. In Singapore, it is projected that around 870 thousand, individuals will be diagnosed with diabetes by 2030. This growing prevalence is why researchers have consistently worked on understanding what causes diabetes, how it develops, and how we can effectively manage it.
Diabetes is a chronic disease marked by high blood glucose levels. Insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas, transports glucose from the bloodstream to the cells, serving as a crucial energy source.
Diabetes develops when:
When you have long-term high blood sugar levels, it can trigger health complications. Mainly diabetes results in cardiovascular diseases, nerve disorders, and retinal degeneration. The condition affects people of all ages, on rare occasions, even babies. While incurable, diabetic people can effectively minimize health risks by learning how to treat diabetes properly and taking a proactive approach to managing the disease.
Another commonly asked question for this condition is how many types of diabetes are there? The main types of diabetes are:
Prediabetes means elevated blood sugar level, but not high enough for diabetes. This condition typically manifests in people with insulin resistance. Prediabetes is often symptomless. However, it is often a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. For unknown reasons, the body’s immune system destroys the pancreas’ insulin-producing beta cells. This necessitates insulin injections for blood glucose management. Though less common than Type 2, it primarily affects children and young adults, with initial symptoms often indicating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Type 2 diabetes results from insufficient insulin release or ineffective insulin response. It’s the most common type, also known as “adult-onset diabetes.” Type 2 primarily affects adults, but lately, with obesity and a poor lifestyle, children and young adults can get it too.
Gestational diabetes is a unique type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations that occur while pregnant may hinder insulin’s effective functioning. Gestational diabetes typically disappears after giving birth, but women who have experienced gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
The less common types of diabetes include:
Yet another question often asked in this subject is, “How can I detect if I’m diabetic?” Increased thirst and frequent urination are the first signs of diabetes in Types 1 and 2.
For Type 1 diabetes, additional symptoms may rapidly manifest over a few weeks, including:
Type 2 diabetes symptoms progress slowly over the years and might be subtle, sometimes resembling those of Type 1 diabetes. Additional symptoms of this condition include:
Typically, gestational diabetes has no discernible symptoms. Most pregnant women experience increased appetite and the desire to pee, which are not necessarily due to diabetes. This is why it’s imperative to consult a doctor and undergo testing.
High blood glucose levels vary based on the type of diabetes:
Type 2 diabetic people don’t produce insulin naturally. If they do, their bodies don’t respond properly to insulin. Many variables contribute to insulin resistance, including obesity, dietary habits, hormonal imbalance, genes, and certain medications.
This is prevalent in Type 1 and LADA diabetes, where the immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas.
A disorder, surgery, or injury to the pancreas may affect its ability to produce insulin. This often results in Type 3c diabetes.
The placenta releases hormones that induce insulin resistance during pregnancy resulting in gestational diabetes. Other conditions involving hormones, like Cushing syndrome, may cause Type 2 diabetes.
Generic mutations can lead to Type 1, 2, MODY, and neonatal diabetes.
How to test for diabetes starts by consulting a physician who will request a blood test to check if your blood sugar is within a healthy range. The test result can also identify what type of diabetes you have.
The common tests to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes include:
Diabetes can cause acute and long-term complications due to high blood sugar levels.
Acute complications include:
Long-term diabetes complications include, but are not limited to:
Living with diabetes can impact mental health, with those affected being 2 to 3 times more likely to experience depression than those without the condition.
While there is no cure for diabetes yet, there’s now a better understanding of how to control diabetes. It all falls to effectively managing and regulating the condition. Practical diabetes management aims to keep blood sugar levels regular, preventing diabetes-related illnesses. Start by making a self-help plan with your doctor to control your glucose levels and manage your diabetes.
Knowledge empowers diabetes management. Consult your doctor, ask questions, and read books about diabetes. Look into what food is good for diabetes and what activities can help regulate glucose levels.
Adopt a balanced meal plan rich in fibre and low glycemic-impact foods. Avoid high-carb and sugary options. Seek guidance from a dietician for better results.
A sedentary lifestyle can trigger diabetes. Exercise regularly to avoid this. A 30-minute walk can work wonders for your blood sugar.
You can determine if your current self-care plan is working by monitoring your glucose levels. This can also help you better manage your condition daily.
There are a lot of supplements being hyped and fad therapies that focus on how to cure diabetes. Don’t fall for them. Your best companion to managing your condition is your endocrinologist. Do what your doctor says and take the proper medication. This can be an oral medication or through injecting synthetic insulin.
It’s also important to be upfront with your doctor. If money is tight, ask for less expensive medicines. Also, inform your physician if you have any side effects from your treatment.
Though diabetes lacks a cure, diligent management allows for a fulfilling life. Start by consulting a physician and educating yourself about the condition. Healthcare Asia can get you in touch with endocrinologists and help you learn more about what causes diabetes and other critical elements of the disease. Contact Healthcare Asia now.
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