Diabetes is a serious disease that affects many seniors. Diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are too high. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to regulate the blood glucose level, and how the body utilizes glucose (sugar) for repair, energy, and growth. Diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce and use insulin, which is a hormone that converts glucose to energy. As of 2021, the number of Americans afflicted with diabetes is set to grow, due to an increase in sedentary lifestyle and obesity. This guide aims to explain diabetes and the possible treatments for it.
Causes of Diabetes
Diabetes is caused by a variety of factors. If you have a family history of diabetics, there is a higher risk that you may suffer from diabetes due to your genetics. Being physically inactive for prolonged periods and leading a sedentary lifestyle are also contributing factors to diabetes. This is because when you are inactive, your muscles are storing the glucose instead of burning it to produce energy, thereby resulting in higher blood glucose levels. People who are obese and overweight are also at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Obesity is not just associated with physical inactivity, but also an unhealthy diet. Obese people often eat fatty, unhealthy foods which are high in sugar and salt. This will cause their body to store excess fat which is harmful to their body as it may increase inflammation in the organs and body. Studies have also shown that this inflammation is one of the contributing factors for developing insulin resistance, whereby your body is no longer receptive to insulin. This results in a person having dangerously high levels of glucose in the blood, which is a symptom of diabetes. Obese people are also at a higher risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which also contribute to diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes
There are two chronic types of diabetes, type one and type two. Type one diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system targets the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, thereby inhibiting the production of insulin. Type two diabetes occurs when a person develops insulin resistance. The symptoms of type one diabetes include frequent urination, blurry vision, fatigue, increased thirst and hunger, and unexplained weight loss. The symptoms of type two diabetes could be similar to that of type one or could also be confusion, wounds that are slow to heal or never heal, and tingling sensation or numbness in the limbs.
Treatment for Diabetes
It is important to seek a healthcare professional or doctor if you have any symptoms of diabetes so that you can get diagnosed early. Early intervention will help prevent diabetes from getting worse and allow you to obtain the proper medical treatment and medications necessary. For type one diabetes, the primary mode of treatment is through the injection of insulin into the patient’s body. For both types of diabetes, changes in lifestyle and eating habits are required. This involves eating healthier foods and cutting down on oily food, foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. It also involves being more physically active and getting more exercise. These can help you to lose weight and reduce your blood sugar levels.
