Understanding Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide

By Pharm. Precious Udoaka

 

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions worldwide, impacting how the body regulates blood sugar levels. With the right knowledge and management strategies, individuals with diabetes can lead healthy, active lives. This guide provides an overview of diabetes types, causes, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

 

Types of Diabetes

1. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): be An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
2. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): The body becomes resistant to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter cells.
3. Gestational Diabetes (GDM): Develops during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and insulin resistance.
4. LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults): A combination of T1D and T2D, often misdiagnosed as T2D.
5. MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young): A rare genetic form of diabetes.

 

Causes and Risk Factors

Modifiable Risk Factors:

1. Obesity
2. Physical inactivity
3. Unhealthy diet
4. Smoking
5. High blood pressure

 

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

1. Family history
2. Age (45+)
3. Ethnicity (e.g., African American, Hispanic/Latino)
4. Previous history of gestational diabetes
5. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

 

Symptoms

Early Symptoms:

1. Increased thirst and urination
2. Fatigue
3. Blurred vision
4. Slow healing wounds
5. Tingling/numbness in hands/feet

 

Advanced Symptoms:

1. Recurring skin infections
2. Flu-like symptoms (e.g., weakness, dizziness)
3. Confusion, disorientation
4. Seizures (rare)

 

Complications

Short-Term Complications:

1. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
2. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
3. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

 

Long-Term Complications:

1. Heart disease
2. Stroke
3. Kidney damage (nephropathy)
4. Nerve damage (neuropathy)
5. Blindness (retinopathy)
6. Foot damage (ulcers, amputation)

 

Diagnosis

1. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test
2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
3. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test
4. Random Plasma Glucose test

 

Treatment and Management

Lifestyle Modifications:

1. Healthy diet
2. Regular exercise
3. Weight management
4. Stress reduction
5. Sleep management

 

Medications:

1. Oral medications (e.g., metformin)
2. Injectable medications (e.g., insulin)
3. Combination therapy

 

Monitoring:

1. Blood glucose meters
2. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
3. HbA1c tests

 

Prevention

Primary Prevention:

1. Maintain healthy weight
2. Engage in regular physical activity
3. Eat balanced diet
4. Avoid sugary drinks
5. Get regular check-ups

 

Secondary Prevention:

1. Early detection and treatment
2. Blood pressure management
3. Cholesterol management
4. Smoking cessation

 Conclusion:

Diabetes is a slow killer with no known curable treatments. However, its complications can be reduced through proper awareness and timely treatment. Three major complications are related to blindness, kidney damage and heart attack.