Globally, 537 million persons had diabetes as of 2021; by 2045, that figure is expected to increase to 783 million. Around the world, the prevalence of diabetes is rising, which has serious ramifications for health systems and economy, especially in low- and middle-income nations where 75% of diabetics live (International Diabetes Federation; Diabetes Atlas). Diabetes is a significant health concern in Pakistan as well. It is one of the nations with the greatest prevalence of diabetes, with an estimated 33 million adults living with the disease. According to the International Diabetes Federation, factors including urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, and rising obesity rates are predicted to have a substantial impact on this statistic.
Diabetes is a long-term medical illness that impacts the body’s ability to utilise food as fuel. It happens when your blood sugar (blood glucose) levels are excessively elevated. Your primary energy source, blood glucose, is obtained from the food you eat. The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which facilitates the uptake of glucose from food into your cells for use as fuel. Your body may occasionally produce insufficient amounts of insulin or fail to utilise it effectively. After that, glucose remains in your circulation and does not enter your cells.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Cause:
Your body stops producing insulin as a result of an autoimmune reaction.
Onset:
Children, teenagers, and young adults are typically diagnosed.
Management:
Needs the usage of an insulin pump or regular insulin injections.
Type 2 Diabetes
Cause:
Your body struggles to maintain appropriate blood sugar levels due to poor insulin utilisation.
Onset:
May appear at any age, but middle-aged and older individuals are most likely to experience it.
Management:
Oral medicines, lifestyle modifications, and occasionally insulin are used to manage.
Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
There are major differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in terms of their aetiology, onset, symptoms, management, risk factors, and consequences. Insulin-producing cells are attacked by the immune system in Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that is typically identified in younger people with quickly developing symptoms. On the other hand, persons over 45 who have Type 2 diabetes often develop it gradually and are associated with obesity and inactivity. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production. Common symptoms between the two types include increased thirst and frequent urination, but Type 1 requires insulin therapy, whereas Type 2 is typically controlled with lifestyle modifications and oral medicines. Comprehending these distinctions is essential for efficient diagnosis, treatment, and administration, consequently enhancing health results.
Diabetes During Pregnancy
Cause:
Appears in expectant mothers without a history of diabetes.
Onset:
A diagnosis is typically made in the third or second trimester of pregnancy.
Management:
Insulin and lifestyle modifications are frequently used to treat this condition.
Symptoms of Diabetes
- Heightened hunger and thirst
- Recurring urination
- Unexpected weight reduction
- Weary
- Hazy vision
- Recurrent infections or slow-healing wounds
- Darker skin patches, typically found on the neck and armpits
Risk Factors
Type 1 Diabetes
- Family background
- Genetic components
- Geographical (higher in areas with colder weather)
Type 2 Diabetes
- Being overweight
- Passivity
- Family background
- Age (above 45)
- Elevated blood pressure
- Abnormally high cholesterol
- Gestational diabetes’s past
- PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome
Diabetes During Pregnancy
- Being overweight
- Gestational diabetes history from a prior pregnancy
- Diabetes in the family history
- Age (25 and older)
- Ethnicity: Asian American, American Indian, African American, and Hispanic women are more at risk
Complications
- Cardiovascular Disease: Enhanced risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and heart disease.
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Excess sugar can damage the walls of the tiny blood arteries that supply your nerves, causing nerve damage (neuropathy).
- Kidney Harm (Nephropathy): Diabetes can harm the kidney’s filtering system.
- Retinopathy, or Eye Damage: Increases the likelihood of developing cataracts and glaucoma, among other serious eye problems.
- Foot Damage: Numerous foot issues are more likely to occur when there is inadequate blood flow or nerve damage in the feet.
- Skin Conditions: More prone to infections from fungi and bacteria.
- Hearing Impairment: Diabetics are more likely to experience hearing issues.
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Dementia may become more likely in those with Type 2 diabetes.
Management and Treatment
- Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels: Maintaining control over diabetes requires routine monitoring.
- Healthy Eating: Eating a balanced diet that prioritises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and other nutrients is known as healthy eating.
- Physical Activity: Blood sugar and weight management are aided by regular exercise.
- Medication: Insulin treatment or oral medicines can be necessary.
- Frequent Check-ups: Comprehensive diabetes management is provided by regular doctor visits.
- Education and Support: Support groups and educational initiatives pertaining to diabetes might be helpful.
Preventive Measures
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise are examples of healthy lifestyle choices.
- Keeping a Healthy Weight: Controlling your weight can help stop or postpone the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
- Frequent Health Screenings: Type 2 diabetes can be avoided by treating prediabetes early on.
Conclusion
A thorough awareness of diabetes is necessary for both effective care and prevention. This includes knowledge of the disease’s numerous forms, symptoms, risk factors, complications, and management techniques. Diabetes makes it more difficult for the body to use food as fuel, which raises blood glucose levels. Glucose stays in the bloodstream when insulin activity is compromised, leading to a number of health problems. It is critical to understand the many forms of diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes—as well as their distinct causes and approaches to treatment. Crucial elements of managing diabetes include routine blood sugar testing, eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and taking prescribed medications as directed. Early detection and rapid treatment can lower the risk of consequences, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and other related illnesses. This can be achieved by being aware of the symptoms and risk factors. Type 2 diabetes can be postponed or avoided by adopting preventive measures like weight control, good lifestyle choices, and routine medical exams. People with diabetes can better manage their disease and enhance their quality of life and general health by incorporating knowledge and support from healthcare providers and support groups.
