Diabetes: Causes, Management, and Treatment

avatar

There are many factors that contribute to this growing epidemic, but one of the biggest is our diets. Too much sugar and processed foods are major contributors to diabetes, as is a lack of physical activity.

But don't worry – there are solutions. In this article, I'll discuss the causes of diabetes and some of the best ways to manage it. I just hope this information will help you take control of your health and beat this silent epidemic.

image.png
Image source

What Is Diabetes?

When referring to diabetes, it's a disease that hinders how the body system makes use of glucose. Glucose comes from the food you eat, and it's the main source of energy for the body.

Your body system is expected to function with insulin in order to convert glucose to energy. But if you have diabetes, your body either can't make enough insulin or can't use it the right way. This causes your blood sugar level to rise, which can lead to some serious health problems.

I'll be focusing on the three main recognizable diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors, like being overweight or inactive. This type of diabetes is common.

Gestational diabetes mostly occurs in pregnant women. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but women who have it are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later on in life.

image.png
Image source

What Are the Causes of Diabetes?

You know that diabetes is a problem, but maybe you're not sure what it is or what causes it. Simply put, diabetes is a disorder that impairs the body's ability to use glucose for energy. Glucose comes from the foods we eat, and it's essential for the body to function properly.

But when someone has diabetes, their blood glucose levels are constantly high, which can damage organs and lead to other health problems. So what are the causes of diabetes? There are a few factors that contribute to the development of this disease, including genetics and lifestyle choices.

Obesity and lack of exercise are key contributors, as is eating a diet high in sugar and processed foods. And sadly, diabetes is becoming more and more common, with millions of people affected around the world.

image.png
Image source

How Can You Prevent Diabetes?

  1. Make healthy food choices: Eating a balanced diet is key. Try to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and stay away from processed foods and sugary drinks.

  2. Get active: Exercise is an important part of preventing diabetes. At least 30 minutes per day can contribute to fighting diabetes.

  3. Keep track of your blood sugar: Monitoring your blood sugar is one of the most important things you can do to prevent diabetes. Ask your doctor how you can track your blood sugar and what target range you should be aiming for.

untitled.gif

How Can You Treat Diabetes?

I may not be able to give you any specific answer when it comes to treating diabetes, as everyone's case is different. But there are a few general steps that you can take to help manage the condition.

First, it's important to make healthy food choices and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Second, it's crucial to get regular exercise. Exercise helps keep blood sugar levels in check, and it can also help you lose weight if necessary.

Third, you may need to take medication to help control your blood sugar levels. There are many different types of diabetes medications available, so you should work with your doctor to find the medication that works best for you.

image.png
Image source

What Are the Complications of Diabetes?

So what are the complications of diabetes? Well, when blood sugar levels are uncontrolled, over time diabetes can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. This is why it's so important to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

If you have diabetes, it's important to see your doctor regularly and get checkups. You should also monitor your blood sugar levels at home, and take any necessary medications prescribed by your doctor.

If you're not sure how to do this, there are lots of resources available to help you, including online tools and diabetes apps. Diabetes can be controlled, but it takes commitment and work on your part. Stay vigilant and you'll be fine.

untitled.gif

How Can You Manage Diabetes?

So you've been diagnosed with diabetes. What's next? Well, the first step is to learn everything you can about the condition. This includes understanding the causes and finding strategies for managing them.

There are a few basic things you can do to manage diabetes: eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and monitor your blood sugar levels. It's also important to take your medication as prescribed and to see your doctor for regular checkups.

If you're having trouble managing your diabetes, don't hesitate to reach out for help. There are plenty of resources available, including websites, apps, and support groups. With a little effort, you can learn to live with diabetes and keep it under control.

Conclusion

You have probably heard about diabetes, and you may know someone who has it, but you may not fully understand what it is. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body processes sugar.

You should work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that works best for you. Diabetes is a serious disease, but it can be controlled with the right treatment plan.

Sources:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes#:~:text=Diabetes%20is%20a%20chronic%20disease,hormone%20that%20regulates%20blood%20glucose.

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444



0
0
0.000
2 comments
avatar

Thanks for your contribution to the STEMsocial community. Feel free to join us on discord to get to know the rest of us!

Please consider delegating to the @stemsocial account (85% of the curation rewards are returned).

You may also include @stemsocial as a beneficiary of the rewards of this post to get a stronger support. 
 

0
0
0.000
avatar
Thank you for sharing this post on HIVE!

Your content got selected by our fellow curator priyanarc & you received a little thank you upvote from our non-profit curation initiative. Your post will be featured in one of our recurring curation compilations which is aiming to offer you a stage to widen your audience within the DIY scene of Hive.

Next time make sure to post / cross-post your creation within the DIYHub community on HIVE and you will receive a higher upvote!

Stay creative & hive on!
0
0
0.000