Diabetes is a very serious condition that becomes more widespread each year. Ironically, many people don’t actually know the cause of diabetes, or the risk factors that can develop the disorder. The disease pertains to a severe abnormality of the human metabolism (the way in which our bodies use digested food for energy). There are several ways in which diabetes can manifest itself within the human body — these include type 1, type 2, as well as gestational diabetes. Those who have type 1 are most times born with the ailment, while type 2 diabetes can unfortunately manifest at any point in time throughout one’s life. Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms a diabetic may incur and how you can reduce your risk of ever being diagnosed with diabetes and many other health complications through simple lifestyle changes.
Who is At Risk for Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes
As previously discussed, this type usually begins at or shortly after birth. In this case, the pancreas is permanently unable to create insulin. This is a life-long condition that must be treated daily. The main factors associated with this type include, first and foremost, a family history of type 1 diabetes. If any direct relative has type 1 diabetes, you are at a higher risk of all forms of diabetes. Additionally, diseases of the pancreas such as pancreatitis, gallstones or pancreatic cancer at some point during your life, your body’s ability to produce insulin will slow dramatically and can lead to diabetes. And lastly, certain infection or illness can temporarily or permanently damage your pancreas.
Type 2 Diabetes
In the case of type 2 diabetes, your body can in fact produce insulin, but is unable to utilize said insulin effectively. This is known as insulin resistance. Type 2 is most common in adults, affecting nearly 30 million individuals worldwide. It can begin at any time in your life, and is becoming more prevalent in pre-teens and teenagers due to childhood obesity. The leading contributor to type 2 diabetes is predominantly obesity. Research has shown that excessive inactivity due to sedentary lifestyles during childhood is having a most lasting effect than ever before. If you are obese, you are also at a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure. Other factors that could put you at risk of diabetes include but are not limited to age, ethnic background and family history.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, it affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can actually affect your pregnancy and your baby's health if left untreated.
What are the Symptoms?
There are very serious warning signs of diabetes that should alert you to seek medical attention immediately. When your body becomes unable to adequately produce insulin, you need to be prescribed an insulin pump to manually inject your body with the hormone. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to increased thirst and hunger (especially after eating), dry mouth, frequent urination or urine infections, unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
Treatments for Diabetes
Insulin
Patients with type 1 diabetes manage their condition by taking insulin multiple times a day since their body is unable to produce enough insulin on its own. Those with type 2 diabetes may also need to take insulin regularly, or in certain situations like during pregnancy or hospitalization. Conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis sometimes develop in patients who have type 1 diabetes but have yet to be diagnosed. It can also occur with those who have type 1 diabetes develop an infection, an injury, illness, or when they miss an insulin dosage. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include head and stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, reduced alertness, and dry skin.
Lifestyle
Depending on the severity, type 2 diabetes patients may be able to maintain their health through a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity. These treatments also help with gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
Medication
A doctor may prescribe a medication like Invokana or another SGLT2 inhibitor to be combined with insulin treatment and healthy lifestyle choices. Invokana reduces blood sugar by blocking glucose from being reabsorbed into the blood. The effectiveness of the drug comes at a price, however, as the hazardous side-effects of Invokana can be just as bad as the symptoms it is intended to treat. Lower-limb amputation and Fournier’s gangrene have both been cited in patients using Invokana. Class-action suits have helped those who have suffered to gain monetary rewards to compensate their pain and suffering. Metformin is another example of a SGLT2 inhibitor that may cause extensive health risks.
This November, as it has been delegated as National Diabetes Awareness Month, be on the lookout for the symptoms previously discussed of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If you are pregnant, consult with your physician regarding your risks of gestational diabetes. Protect you and your loved ones against type 2 diabetes by staying active, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting regular check-ups. A simple blood test can help to diagnose diabetes. By limiting obesity rates and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, millions of people can be saved from diabetes.
