Diabetes

Table of Contents

Other names

Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes

Synopsis

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder where the body has difficulty regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels due to insufficient insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy. Without proper regulation, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can damage blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and other organs over time.

There are several forms of diabetes:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Typically begins in childhood or adolescence but can develop at any age.

  • Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, often linked to insulin resistance and lifestyle factors like diet, obesity, and inactivity.

  • Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy, raising the risk of both maternal and child diabetes later.

  • Other Forms: Monogenic diabetes (rare, genetic), cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, etc.

Types of Diabetes:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune, absolute insulin deficiency.

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance with relative insulin deficiency.

  • Gestational Diabetes: Temporary during pregnancy, usually resolves after birth but increases long-term risk.

Common Causes and Risk Factors:

  • Family history/genetics

  • Obesity, particularly abdominal fat

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Poor diet (high in refined carbs, sugars, and processed foods)

  • Chronic inflammation

  • History of gestational diabetes

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Ethnicity (higher risk in African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian populations)

Severity Factors:

  • Poorly managed diabetes can cause serious complications: heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage (neuropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), and limb amputations.

  • Blood sugar swings (hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia) can be dangerous, even life-threatening.

  • Early diagnosis and management dramatically improve outcomes.

When to See a Doctor:

  • Excessive thirst and urination

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain

  • Fatigue, irritability

  • Blurred vision

  • Slow-healing sores or frequent infections

  • Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

  • High-risk groups (obesity, family history) should have regular screenings

Natural Remedies

Monitor blood sugar: Regular glucose checks to manage and adjust lifestyle/treatment.

Balanced diet: Focus on low-glycemic foods, fiber-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Exercise regularly: Improves insulin sensitivity and helps control blood sugar.

Weight management: Losing even 5–10% of body weight can significantly improve control.

Stress management: Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which worsens blood sugar control.

Adequate hydration: Helps the kidneys remove excess sugar through urine.

Good sleep hygiene: Poor sleep worsens insulin resistance.