Diabetes

High blood glucose levels are the hallmark of diabetes, a chronic disease that results from the body's inability to process glucose (sugar). Glucose, which comes from the food we eat, is used by our cells for energy. Glucose uptake by cells is regulated by the insulin hormone, which is secreted by the pancreas. Both inadequate insulin production and inefficient insulin use contribute to the development of diabetes.
A staggering 463 million adults have diabetes, making it a major public health issue on a global scale in 2019. As of 2021, it is projected that 77 million adults in India will have diabetes, making the country the global epicenter of the disease. By 2030, it is projected that 101 million Indian adults will have diabetes, a number that has been steadily rising since 1980.
Heart disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, blindness, and amputations are just some of the serious complications that can arise from untreated or poorly managed diabetes. People with diabetes face unique challenges, but they can live normal, productive lives with the right care and attention.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus type 1, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes are the three most common forms of the disease.
  • Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes and juvenile diabetes, usually begins in childhood or adolescence. The immune system harms the beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin, in type 1 diabetics. Blood sugar rises due to an insulin shortage. Insulin treatment for type 1 diabetes is permanent.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: 90% of diabetics have type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance or pancreatic insufficiency cause type 2 diabetes. Obesity, inactivity, and a poor diet are linked to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes treatment includes diet, exercise, and blood-sugar-lowering medications.
  • Gestational Diabetes: Pregnancy-induced diabetes usually resolves after birth. Hormones affect insulin sensitivity. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Diet, exercise, and insulin therapy may treat gestational diabetes.
Other types of Diabetes: Monogenic, cystic fibrosis-related, and steroid-induced diabetes also exist. Mucus in the pancreas causes cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, while a gene mutation causes monogenic diabetes. Steroids cause diabetes
Causes of diabetes
  • Genetics: Diabetes runs in families. Certain genes increase diabetes risk. Diabetes does not always run in families. Genetics may cause type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
  • Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance can increase blood sugar levels in obese people, especially around the waist. Obesity can also lead to inflammation and type 2 diabetes.
  • Inactivity: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Insulin sensitivity improves with exercise. Regular exercise also lowers the risk of diabetes-related health issues, like heart disease.
  • Age: As insulin efficiency decreases with age, type 2 diabetes risk rises. This is why older adults have more diabetes. However, childhood obesity is increasing type 2 diabetes in young people and kids.
  • Ethnicity: Diabetes risk varies by ethnicity. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. Genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors may explain why some ethnic groups are more prone to diabetes.
High blood pressure, cholesterol, gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are other diabetes risk factors. Having any of these health conditions does not guarantee diabetes, but it increases the risk.
Symptoms of diabetes
Type, severity, and individuality affect diabetes symptoms. Diabetes symptoms are common. Symptoms include:
  • Frequent urination: Diabetes can cause nighttime urination. The body is urinating excess glucose.
  • Increased thirst: Diabetes-related frequent urination can cause dehydration, which can make a person feel thirsty. 
  • Fatigue: Fatigue can occur in people with diabetes because their bodies are unable to use glucose effectively.
  • Unexplained weight loss: Diabetics can lose weight despite maintaining a normal or increased caloric intake.
  • Increased hunger: The inability to metabolize glucose for energy can trigger hunger signals in the brain.
  • Blurred vision: The clear lens of an eye can swell when blood glucose levels are high, resulting in blurred vision.
  • Slow healing: Diabetics may take longer to recover from injuries or illnesses like infections because of their condition.
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet: Damage to the nerves caused by diabetes can result in a feeling of numbness or tingling in the limbs.
  • Dry or itchy skin: High blood glucose levels have been linked to dry, itchy skin.
  • Yeast infections: High blood glucose levels can encourage the growth of yeast, making women with diabetes more susceptible to yeast infections.
It's worth mentioning that some individuals who have type 2 diabetes might have no symptoms at all. Thus, regular checkups and blood tests are essential for monitoring blood sugar levels and diagnosing diabetes early.
Complications of Diabetes:
Diabetes can cause several problems, especially if it is not taken care of well. Some of the problems that can come with diabetes are:
  • Cardiovascular disease: Heart failure, stroke, and cardiovascular disease are just a few of the cardiovascular complications that diabetes can exacerbate. 
  • Nerve damage: Having too much sugar in your blood can hurt your nerves, which is called diabetic neuropathy. This can make the feet and hands feel tingly, numb, and painful.
  • Kidney damage: Diabetic nephropathy damages kidney blood vessels. Kidney failure may involve dialysis or a transplant.
  • Eye damage: Diabetic retinopathy damages retinal blood vessels. Blindness may result.
  • Foot damage: Diabetes-related foot problems include nerve damage and poor circulation. Foot ulcers, infections, and amputations can occur.
  • Skin conditions: Conditions of the skin, such as infections caused by bacteria and fungi, are more common in people with diabetes.
  • Dental problems: Tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss have all been linked to unhealthily high blood sugar levels.
  • Complications during pregnancy: Complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes are more common in women with diabetes.
Prevention of diabetes
Diabetics must manage their blood sugar and function properly with their healthcare team to avoid these complications. Early detection and checkups can prevent or delay complications.
Changes in behavior can help lessen the likelihood of contracting the disease. The following are examples of precautions:
  • Maintaining a healthy weight: The disease is highly associated with being overweight or obese, so avoiding these conditions by keeping to a healthy weight is important.
  • Regular exercise: Consistent exercise can lower the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases by increasing weight loss and insulin sensitivity.
  • Healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced, healthful diet can aid in diabetes prevention by decreasing the likelihood of obesity and increasing general well-being.
  • Avoiding sugary drinks: Blood sugar spikes from sugary beverages like carbonated beverages and juice can contribute to the development of diabetes.
  • Quitting smoking: Quitting smoking can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes because cigarette smoking is an important risk factor for the condition.
  • Regular check-ups: The best way to catch diabetes early and avoid complications is to have regular checkups with a healthcare provider.
     
The pancreas is an important organ that regulates blood sugar levels. Beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin, which helps to transport glucose from the bloodstream and store excess glucose in the liver and muscles. In people with diabetes, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the body's cells become resistant to insulin, leading to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in maintaining the health of nerve cells, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to insulin resistance and nerve damage.
Neurotherapy helps in the natural absorption of vitamin B12. Oxygen treatment is given to maintain oxygen levels.