When around 37.3 million Americans fight diabetes on a regular basis, it is important to know about the ins and outs of this disease. This is what we will be focusing on in this blog. We will be discussing diabetes in detail including its causes, types, treatment, preventions, and precautions, and finally will be discussing which type of Diabetes is worse.
What is Diabetes and Its Causes:
Diabetes is considered a chronic disease. It occurs when the pancreas does not support the digestive system and does not produce enough insulin in the body. The pancreas is the organ of the digestive system and endocrine system.
The hormone that plays a vital role in controlling our blood sugar level is Insulin. The Endocrine Pancreas produces the hormone insulin which functions by controlling blood sugar levels.
Here are the four main causes that are responsible for diabetes.
- Overweight
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
Types of Diabetes:
There are three commonly known types of diabetes, namely type 1, type 2 diabetes, and Gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes:
It is the condition when patients are majorly dependent on insulin. Patients of type 1 need daily doses of insulin because their pancreas does not make insulin or makes very little insulin.
It is also known as Juvenile diabetes. It mostly occurs in childhood but can also be developed in adults. Some infections, genetics, or complications can be the main causes of developing type 1.
Here are some symptoms that can appear in individuals with type 1 diabetes:
- Feeling thirsty
- Frequent urination
- Increased appetite
- Sudden weight loss
- Blurry vision
Preventions for type 1 diabetes:
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations
- Manage your blood sugar
- Get regular health checkups.
Treatment for type 1 diabetes:
- Taking insulin
- Counting carbohydrates, fats, and protein
- Monitoring blood sugar often
- Eating Healthy foods
- Exercising regularly and keeping a healthy weight
Type 2 Diabetes:
Patients with type 2 don’t respond normally to insulin, this condition is called insulin resistance. The pancreas produces more insulin in order to get cells response and when your pancreas can’t keep up, then your blood sugar rises.
The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin in our stomach and its main work is to move glucose from your blood into your cells, where it’s converted into energy. When this function is not completed by insulin, then this is known as type 2 diabetes.
High blood sugar is damaging to the body and can cause serious health problems, such as vision loss, kidney disorder, heart disease, etc.
Here are the causes of developing type 2 diabetes:
- High blood pressure
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- Genes
- Overweight
- Insulin resistance
- Aging
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy lifestyle
Preventions for type 2 diabetes:
- Being active
- Lose excess weight
- Take prescribed medications, if required
- Measure blood sugar level from time to time
- Eat organic, fresh food, and avoid packaged foods and oily snacks.
- Practice yoga and exercise daily.
- Take meals regularly
- Take 8 hours of sleep
- Limit your sitting time
Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes:
To treat type 2 diabetes you should first consult your doctor and then take prescribed medications. This will help you to control your diabetes. Practicing yoga and exercises also helps to improve the quality of your life and thus reduce the chances of type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes:
This type of diabetes mostly develops in women during pregnancy because of their hormone imbalance. This is not a permanent type of diabetes as it ends as soon as the baby is delivered. However women with Gestational Diabetes are always at a risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Having pre-diabetes, being obese, and not being physically active during pregnancy are also the risk factors of developing gestational diabetes in women.
- Prevention of Gestational Diabetes:
- Maintain Healthy weight
- Take Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Monitor your blood sugar
Treatment of Gestational Diabetes:
- Lifestyle changes
- Control your Blood sugar level
- Medication, if necessary
Discussion On Which Type Of Diabetes Is Worse:
Type 1 diabetes is considered worse than type 2 because it cannot be cured. It is an auto-immune disease. In type 2, blood glucose remains high because of insulin resistance. It usually develops with age and when your blood pressure remains too high than normal.
If this type of diabetes is not treated, then it can get worse over time and can cause several other health problems such as liver damage, heart stroke, and damage to blood vessels, nerves, and other organs too.
Conclusion:
Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are becoming leading causes of diabetes. To prevent yourself from diseases like diabetes you have to be aware of the types of diabetes, their symptoms, and their preventions, too. Keep yourself educated about diabetes, and find resources, support, and knowledge to improve the caliber of your life.
Thus, you can treat your diabetes in an early stage and can keep yourself healthy and fit by making healthier choices. A healthy lifestyle and appropriate diet can lead your life toward wellness.
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