What is it?

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes can be classified into different types: Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are the most commonly diagnosed ones, especially Type 2 Diabetes. They are both chronic diabetes conditions and should be treated as early as possible. Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy and in most cases, it goes away after the baby is born. There are conditions where the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not severe to be classified as Diabetes, this condition can be termed as pre-diabetes.

Symptoms

The following are the common symptoms for Diabetes but they are mild in case of Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes, unlike Type 1 Diabetes where it may come on quickly and severely.

• Frequent excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increase in appetite, hungry most of the time
• Weight loss
• Extreme fatigue
• Vision becomes blurred
• Wounds heal slow and frequent occurrence of infections
• Tingling or numbness in the hands/feet
• Body pain

If any of these symptoms are found and the patient is at risk of having diabetes, he/she should get checked immediately. Early diagnosis can affect the treatment drastically as it reduces the complications arising from Diabetes. Diabetes can develop at any age.

Some of the complications that arise from diabetes are cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, foot damage, skin conditions, hearing impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and other mild complications.

Cause and Risk Factors

The exact cause of diabetes is still unknown. Genetics and environmental factors with lifestyle habits are a said cause for diabetes. When the increase in glucose in other parts of the body is left untreated for a prolonged time leads to the complications.

Prevention and Cure

• Balanced diet with healthy foods, which are low in fat and carbohydrates but rich in fiber.
• Physical activity is always recommended for daily life with at least 30 minutes a day.
• Maintaining body weight helps decrease the risk of diabetes especially if you are overweight.

In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes the above preventive measures can help a patient decrease the risk of diabetes

Doctors usually prescribe medications to maintain blood sugar levels. If the blood sugar level cannot be controlled by medications, doctors might recommend insulin injections that are administered to lower the blood sugar levels.

Why Amrit Hospital?

'Diabetes management for a quality life’ is our mantra. We empower our patients with knowledge and disease management techniques to live a better life.

Our experts in Diabetology can help diagnose and treat patients with diabetes and all the various complications arising from it.

We have 24/7 laboratory facilities for biochemical tests, diabetic retinopathy screening, an awareness program and counseling for managing diabetes.