Diabetes is a medical condition that inhibits the body’s ability to process blood sugar. Commonly known as Diabetes Mellitus, this condition causes high blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to monitor insulin secretion and functions.  

Insulin helps blood sugar (glucose) to enter the body cells. Therefore, any defects in insulin production or insulin sensitivity may lead to the accumulation of glucose in the body. This gives rise to the medical condition known as diabetes. 

 
There are 2 types of diabetes; 
Type 1 Diabetes 
It is caused by insufficient production of insulin in the beta cells of the pancreas. This condition is caused by the body manufacturing antibodies which are intended to cause damage to a patient’s body tissues, most specifically the beta cells. This causes insufficient production of insulin. 

 
Type 2 diabetes 
This type of diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to respond to insulin production. Unlike Type 1, in Type 2 diabetes, the body actually produces insulin, but the body becomes insulin resistant. This phenomenon leads to accumulation of larger than normal quantities in the body. 

 
Causes of Diabetes 
The immediate biological causes of diabetes are not described in this article. There may be many environmental and behavioral causes for diabetes. These causes do not occur by themselves. There are often human risk factors that activate these causes. Such factors are discussed below; 
Being overweight or obese sometimes makes your body insulin resistant, especially having a lot of belly fat. 
Family history. Diabetes can be inherited from DNA. Therefore, if there is a history of diabetes running in a family, then the contraction of diabetes by another family member may be treated as a totally new case. 
Lifestyle could also be a probable cause for diabetes. Consuming lots of foods containing a lot of carbs is a recipe for diabetes. 
Age could also be a factor. The explanation being, as a person ages, the body system weakens. Insulin production could also be affected in the process. 
Gestational diabetes is common among pregnant women. 

 
A Few Symptoms of Diabetes: 

• Increased urine output 
• Excessive thirst 
• Weight loss 
• Hunger  
• Body fatigue 

• Skin complications 
• Slow healing wounds 

 
Diabetes Prevention and management 
While there is no cure for diabetes, many symptoms can be prevented. If one acquires diabetes, all hope is not lost, there are a lot of management practices that can be applied to effectively manage the condition. Below are some of the best prevention and management practices that can be applied to diabetes. 

• Control your weight. Excess weight increases chances of contracting type 2 diabetes. 
• Do a lot of exercise, it improves your body’s insulin usage. 
• Eat whole grain starch, avoid processed starch. 
• Avoid sugary drinks, go for coffee or tea. 
• Eat vegetable fats in place of fats from fried foods. 

• Limit red meat, eat poultry and fish instead. 
• Quit smoking and alcohol. 

 
Diabetes affects people from the entire spectrum. Everyone possesses equal chances of contracting diabetes once you expose yourself to the risk factors. One may exert discipline in their dietary requirements to minimize their exposure to the risk factors of diabetes. 

As with most diseases, it is very important to consult a clinician as soon as symptoms arise, and if you have risk factors, get your blood glucose tested by your clinician regularly. 

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.