Diabetes

Learning about diabetes: Signs and treatments for first-diagonsed patients.

Become diagnosed with diabetes could create confusion very often, but one critical step in dealing with these kinds of conditions is to understand their symptoms and treatment. This informative guide is aimed at newly diagnosed patients as well as their caregivers and clearly explains diabetes symptoms and available treatments.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a name given to a chronic condition in which the body fails to properly process food for use as energy. There are mainly two types of diabetes- Type 1 diabetes, where the body does not produce any insulin, and Type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body does not utilize its insulin efficiently. Another form of diabetes is Gestational which occurs during pregnancy.

Common Symptoms for Diabetes

Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of diabetes is critical to the referral of treatment and managing the condition successfully. Here are some symptoms that newly diagnosed likely patients may encounter:

• Polydipsia: Increased drinking because the body has elevated blood sugar levels and dehydrated, which induces a person to feel thirsty much more than the usual.
• Polyuria: Excess levels of blood glucose lead to increased levels of urine and hence the need to go to the bathroom more often.
• Polyphagia: It is very common to experience intense lack of food consumption when a person cannot effectively use glucose.
• Fatigue: It is extremely exhausting because the body’s inability to convert the food into energy exhausts the person.
• Blurred vision: Affected by that it can be the lens of the eye due to altered blood sugar levels.
• Slow Healing Sores and Frequent Infections: High blood sugar affects healing and fighting infections in the body.
• Changes in skin: Some patients may observe dark skin patches, especially in skin folds, which can signify insulin resistance.
• Weight loss: Unexplained loss of weight due to the failure of the body to utilize glucose for energy and, resorting to breaking down fat and muscle.

Diagnosing Diabetes

If you feel you are having any symptoms that indicate you may be diabetic, it is important that you consult a doctor for further assessment and diagnosis. Diagnosis is usually through blood tests, which can include:

• Fasting Blood Glucose Test: This is a test to measure the amount of sugar in your blood after overnight fasting.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This test is done to determine how the body metabolizes glucose. This is done by taking blood samples at scheduled intervals after taking a sugary drink.
• A1C Test: This test is done to know blood sugar levels in the last three months.

Management for Diabetes

At present, no treatment is available for diabetes, but with the right prescription and lifestyle changes, the disease can be managed. The prescribed treatment varies between different types of diabetes and between individuals with other health needs.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

For a person living with type 1 diabetes, insulin is the major medicine. There may be either injections or an insulin pump. This is a device that continuously administers insulin. Patients should also monitor their blood sugars and adjust their insulin doses accordingly.

Type 2 Diabetes

Similar to type 1, treatment for type 2 diabetes combines lifestyle modification and oral medications. The treatment may include insulin for some of the patients. Such strategies can work:

• Lifestyle Modifications:
  • Change Your Diet: Aim for a balanced diet where all whole grains, different fruits, different vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats are all staples. Cutting out sugar and controlling portion sizes is also critical.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can help control blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
  • Weight Maintenance: Getting and maintaining an optimal weight will help improve insulin utilization by the body and, hence, reduce diabetes-related complications.
  • Medicinal Therapy:There are different types of oral medication to help normalise blood sugar. Some best known classes are:
  • Metformin: Decrease glucose production in the liver and enhance insulin sensitivity.
  • Sulfonylureas: Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin.
  • GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Increases the secretion of insulin and reduces appetite.
  • SGLT2 Inhibitors: Aids kidneys in eliminating the surplus glucose through urine.
• Insulin Therapy: In some conditions, type 2 diabetic patients might be required to use insulin therapy to control blood sugar levels effectively.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a diabetes that happens during pregnancy and usually clears itself out once childbirth is done. The maintenance is to keep the blood sugar level at healthy range with diet and exercise. Sometimes, taking insulin may be required.

Monitoring and Managing Diabetes

Good diabetes management implies steady blood glucose monitoring. The following are important practices for continuous diabetes care:

• Frequent Blood Test: Check blood sugar levels through a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor according to your health care provider.
• Food Journal: By writing what they eat, people can begin to write how specific foods impact their blood sugar.
• Regular Visits: It happens every year with your healthcare team, including primary care physician, endocrinologist, and dietitian to discuss and determine some progress of your diabetes management plan.
• Managing Stress: Stress affects blood sugar levels, so management or practice of yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercise is good for stress management.

Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes

If diabetes is not controlled sufficiently, it can lead to disastrous health complications. These may include:

• Cardiovascular disease: There exists a higher probability of having a heart attack and stroke.
• Nerve damage (Diabetic Neuropathy): May cause pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in the extremities.
• Renal Damage (Diabetic Nephropathy): It can lead to renal failure necessitating dialysis or transplantation.
• Eye Damage (Diabetic Retinopathy): It may also cause loss of sight and blindness.
• Foot Damage: Damage caused by poor blood supply and nerve damage may cause serious infections in the foot that could lead to a possible amputation.

Conclusion: Own Your Diabetes Journey

Getting a diagnosis of diabetes can be distressing, but it also signals the beginning of an active journey toward better health. Learning the symptoms, treatment options, and management instructions will enable newly-diagnosed patients and their caregivers to make solid progress in taking action to control diabetes. Remember you are not alone- support from healthcare providers, family, and friends goes a long way in managing diabetes effectively. Use this as a practical guide and don’t hesitate to call for help when needed.

Be informed, stay hopeful and realize that you are empowered to take care of your health; many resources and friends are there to assist you along your journey.