-

DIABETES: UNDERSTANDING THIS CONDITION








 Diabetes is a complex, chronic condition that comes in several forms, each with its own causes, risks, and best ways to manage it.

 Diabetes alters how your body uses insulin, a substance produced in the pancreas, required by cells to absorb sugar in the form of glycogen. When glycogen is unavailable to your cells, they lack an energy source.

The two most common types of Diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 is primarily an autoimmune issue—your own immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas (Nature Reviews Disease Primers)

There are also rare, less-understood forms, often linked to genetics. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of all cases, develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough of it (Nature Reviews Disease Primers; NY.gov). Symptoms can be similar to those of Type 1, but often develop more gradually and may also include blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections. Gestational Diabetes can appear during pregnancy and signals a higher future risk of developing Type 2.

 Common symptoms of Diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. 

The causes depend on the type. For Type 1, it's a mix of genetics and sometimes environmental triggers, such as viral infections (Science). Type 2 is fueled by a combination of genetic factors, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet, all leading to insulin resistance (Diabetes). The science indicates problems in both the production and response of insulin by the body.

Treatment also depends on the type. People with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy (Diabetes Care). Type 2 diabetes can often be managed—at least initially—with a healthier diet, increased exercise, and medications such as metformin or sulfonylureas; sometimes, insulin or new drug classes are added (Current Drug Discovery Technologies). Some traditional, plant-based remedies are still used, though evidence for their effectiveness varies. Scientists are also developing new treatments that target various aspects  of blood sugar.the 

HerHere'sme good news: Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. The best defense against obesity is maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating a balanced diet. For individuals at high risk, medications such as metformin can help delay or prevent the disease (Annual Review of Public Health; Diabetologia; Journal of Applied Physiology). Public health programs that encourage people to make healthier choices are crucial.

Managing Diabetes is about more than just taktaking medication. It’sdaidailymmitment: tracking your blood sugar, sticking to a healthy lifestyle, and learning how to take care of yourself—education and support matter a lot (Diabetes Care; Nutrition & Diabetes; ResearchGate). There are also special considerations for people who are pregnant or hospitalized, where tailored care is needed.

Yearly physicals typically reveal metabolic issues through blood work, specifically through metabolic panels.

If you have a family history, you must inform your healthcare provider to ensure consistent surveillance and preventive measures.

In short, Diabetes is common, but not inevitable. The right mix of knowledge, good habits, and medical care can make all the difference. It'It'It's importantte that some people may hIt'seimportantou're ready youyou'ready to take charge of ybealth—wht to prevent Diabetheiror manage it more effectively—connect with a ProTime-Fitness health coach at ProTime-Fitness.org. Personalized guidance and support can help you develop lasting habits.

References:

  • Nature Reviews Disease Primers

  • NY.gov

  • Science

  • Diabetes

  • Diabetes Care

  • Current Drug Discovery Technologies

  • Annual Review of Public Health

  • Diabetologia

  • Journal of Applied Physiology

  • Nutrition & Diabetes

  • ResearchGate

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

-
Image
COLONOSCOPY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW A colonoscopy remains one of the most effective ways to detect and prevent colorectal cancer before it becomes a serious threat. During the procedure, doctors can find and remove precancerous polyps, significantly lowering your chances of developing colorectal cancer later on. Studies consistently show that getting a colonoscopy every 10 years—recommended for most adults at average risk—not only saves lives but also costs less over time compared to other screening methods, such as yearly fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) (Annals of Internal Medicine). Medical experts generally recommend starting regular colonoscopy screenings around age 45 or 50, depending on your health history, and repeating them every 10 years if no issues are found. This timeline is supported by substantial evidence showing colorectal cancer rates stay very low within ten years of a clean colonoscopy (BMJ). If colorectal cancer or certain polyps run in your family, your doctor migh...
Read more

Diabetes drugs may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

-
Image
    Diabetes drugs may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. The study finds people taking the drugs have fewer biomarkers, slower cognitive decline. People taking certain drugs to lower blood sugar for type 2 diabetes had less amyloid in the brain, a biomarker of Alzheimer's disease compared to people with type 2 diabetes who are not taking the drugs and those without diabetes. The new study, published in the August 11, 2021, online issue of  Neurology , the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, also found people taking these drugs, called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, showed slower cognitive decline than people in the other two groups. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body no longer efficiently uses insulin to control blood sugar. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, also known as gliptins, can be prescribed when other diabetes drugs do not work. They help control blood sugar when combined with diet and exercise. "People with diabetes have been shown to ...
Read more