4 factors to understand about diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases and is developed among many people across the globe. The term diabetes denotes a group of metabolic issues and is characterized by the rise of levels in blood glucose or blood sugar in the body. Blood glucose is essential for the functions of the body and serves as the primary source of energy, however, an excess of the same leads to serious medical conditions.

The blood glucose levels are generated by a hormone called insulin. The pancreas produce insulin which aids in the transition of glucose into the cells. The glucose in the cells is used to fulfill the energy requirements of an individual throughout the day. However, when the pancreas do not function well, the glucose that should be converted into energy enters into the blood and thus, there is an increase in the sugar levels. The rise in glucose for a prolonged period causes the development of diabetes. While there is common belief which traces the cause of diabetes to be excessive sugar intake, it is often hereditary in nature. A new born baby too can suffer from diabetes due to the genes.

Here are pivotal factors that will allow one to gain a greater understanding of diabetes.

What are the main causes of diabetes?

The causes of diabetes vary greatly depending upon several factors such as the family history, ethnicity, genetic makeup and environmental factors. However, there is no common cause that is found to fit every type of diabetes. The causes of the condition will majorly differ from one individual to another based on the type of the diabetes. The causes that are found to increase or trigger the chances of developing the condition include:

• Bacterial and viral infections
• Obesity
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Unhealthy diet
• Autoimmune reactions due to unidentified components
• Presence of toxins in the food
• Complications during pregnancy
• Cushing’s syndrome

What are the complications that can be caused by diabetes?

The condition can bring about several complications such as:

• Issues with eyesight and possibilities of developing cataracts, diabetic retinotherapy and glaucoma increase.
• People who suffer from diabetes are at a great risk of skin infections and skin disorders.
• The high level of blood sugar can lead to mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. It is found to give high rise to several mental disorders.
• Diabetes is also found to affect hearing and raise the risk of hearing loss.
• Gum diseases are found to develop among patients with diabetes.
• Diabetes also causes the cuts and wounds to take longer for healing.

What are the symptoms that develop with diabetes?
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop over several years and may be very mild to notice. In some cases, the individual may experience no symptoms at all. However, type 1 diabetes develops quickly and the symptoms can be noticed within a few weeks. The common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Blurred vision
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue
• Unexplainable increased hunger
• Wounds that do not heal
• Increased urge to urinate

How can one prevent the development of diabetes?

Taking the right prevention measures by changing one’s lifestyle is a great way to keep the development of diabetes at bay.

• Regular physical activities are found to show great results in controlling the blood sugar levels. One must practice a combination of resistance training and exercise. It brings great benefits in preventing as well as controlling diabetes.
• It is important to maintain a healthy weight. One must maintain a healthy diet and cut out on processed foods.
• It is essential to undergo regular medical checkups so as to catch the disease at the earliest.

In order to prevent the development of diabetes, it is essential to understand the factors which drive the medical condition. There is no cure for diabetes and that makes it important for everyone to make sure that they avoid all possible risk factors from affecting their health and developing diabetes.  

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