Diabetes is a chronic medical condition. It is a condition in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar (glucose) properly, and if left untreated, it may contribute to some serious health problems. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Both types affect how glucose is broken down into energy for us to utilise.
In type 1 diabetes, the individual’s immune system begins to attack the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, rendering the body diabetic. The body no longer produces insulin, which is needed to move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. This is the reason it is also called juvenile-onset diabetes and adult-onset diabetes – type 1 can start to develop during childhood or adolescence, but it can also begin in adulthood. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin on a regular basis to stabilise their blood sugar levels.
People with type 2 diabetes don’t use insulin properly, a condition called insulin resistance, and over time their pancreas might make less insulin. Type 2 diabetes affects mostly adults but there is an increase in diagnosis with children and adolescents due to increasing obesity rates. Risk factors associated with the development of Type 2 diabetes are being overweight, sedentary, having family members with diabetes, and poor dietary habits.
Typical symptoms include increased urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness and blurred vision. Untreated, diabetes can result in heart disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney failure and blindness.
Controlling blood sugar involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication in the context of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is treated with certain medications, including insulin, while with Type 2 diabetes, patients may be able to control blood sugar levels with diet, exercise and oral medications. In both cases, regular monitoring of blood sugar is important to avoid complications.
It is crucial to regulate blood glucose by consuming a diet that includes plenty of fibre, lean proteins and good fats, and limiting processed sugars and carbohydrates. Regular physical activity, including walking briskly, cycling or strength training also aids in keeping blood sugar levels under control, promotes insulin sensitivity and general health. And a diabetes care team, consisting of a doctor, dietitian and endocrinologist, can work closely with a person with diabetes to develop a personalised health and wellness plan.
