Diabetes is a condition where there is too much sugar in the blood, commonly referred to as diabetes mellitus by many medical practitioners. This happens when the body is not able to produce enough insulin or when the cells in the body are not fully able to utilize the insulin produced. There are two main types of diabetes that are the most common: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is not able to produce enough insulin and type 2 diabetes occurs when the cells are not able to utilize insulin in the body (aka insulin resistance). Other types of diabetes include gestational diabetes and prediabetes. Diabetes is a life-long condition and the cure is yet to be discovered.

Causes of diabetes

There are different causes of diabetes that vary depending on the type of diabetes. However, there are general symptoms of diabetes and the people that experience them should visit a doctor and get checked. Note: These are just a few symptoms of diabetes, there are many others that are not listed here.

Here are some of the general symptoms of diabetes;

• Increased frequency in urination.
  • Blurred vision
  • Having bruises and cuts that take a long time to heal
  • Feeling hungry even though you are eating
  • Feeling thirsty often
  • Losing a lot of weight even though you may be eating more. This is more common to the people that are experiencing type 1 diabetes.
  • Experiencing a tingly and numb pain in the feet and hands. This is more common to the people experiencing type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women. It is very dangerous because symptoms often do not manifest. Pregnant women should discuss the possibility of gestational diabetes with their clinician on every visit.

Control of diabetes

As mentioned above, diabetes does not have a cure yet. It is therefore important to know that the control measures will often have to be done for a lifetime. Here are the general control measures for diabetes. (There are many methods of controlling diabetes, each should be discussed with your doctor. Not all control methods are listed here):

• Check your sugar

It is important and helpful to do abrupt blood sugar checks every now and then. This will help you to know how things are going with your body and how to improve your condition. Checking your sugar with a home glucose monitor will enable you to monitor your blood glucose, and help you understand what works for you and what doesn’t.

• Check your carb intake

Carbs can lead to very high blood sugar levels in the body. When you are eating carbs, it is important to ensure that you couple them with nuts or other proteins. This reduces blood sugar spikes. When you are considering the carbs to eat, it is important to take the ones that have higher fiber content like whole grains. This is because they reduce the rate of digestion and give the impression of fullness.

• Do more exercise and increase your physical activity

This is one of the ways to reduce sugar levels in the blood. Try to spend time every day doing exercises (as long as your doctor approves). Always ensure that you consult with your doctor before you choose the type of exercises you want to engage in.

Always consult your clinician before any changes in lifestyle, diet, or medication.

*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.