Diabetes : Causes, Risk factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, treatment, Prevention and complications

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• Written : Aminu Salisu M.D
• Contributed : Hafsat Isah gaya
• Medically Reviewed : Idris sani Ph.d
• Editor : Victoria Solomon (B.A English language)
• Published : Rabiu Rabiu (Dr. Cracker)

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• What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body's cells use glucose for energy.

• What are the types of diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

1. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means that your body attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and adolescents, but it can also occur in adults.
2. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for more than 90% of all cases. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. People with type 2 diabetes are often overweight or obese, and they may have a family history of diabetes.
3. Gestational diabetes develops in some pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, but women who have had gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

• How common is diabetes?

Diabetes is a very common disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 537 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes in 2023. This number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.

Diabetes is more common in low- and middle-income countries. Over 3 in 4 adults with diabetes live in these countries.

• What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type of diabetes you have and how well your blood sugar is controlled. Some common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a medical professional right away.

• What causes diabetes?

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. People with type 2 diabetes are often overweight or obese, and they may have a family history of diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones that the placenta produces during pregnancy. These hormones can make it harder for your body to use insulin.

• What are the complications of diabetes?

Diabetes can lead to a number of serious complications, including:

1. Heart disease
2. Stroke
3. Blindness
4. Kidney disease
5. Nerve damage
6. Foot problems
7. Skin problems
8. Hearing problems
9. Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia

Long-term diabetes complications

Diabetes can lead to a number of long-term complications, including:

• Heart disease: Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease. People with diabetes are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke

• How is diabetes diagnosed?

There are a number of tests that can be used to diagnose diabetes. The most common tests are:

• Fasting blood sugar test: This test measures your blood sugar level after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours.
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): This test measures your blood sugar level before and 2 hours after you drink a sugary drink.
• A1C test: This test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months.

If you have a fasting blood sugar level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes. If you have an OGTT result of 200 mg/dL or higher 2 hours after drinking the sugary drink, you have diabetes. If your A1C level is 6.5% or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.

• How is diabetes managed?

There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed with medication, diet, and exercise.

1. Medication: There are a number of different medications that can be used to manage diabetes. The type of medication that is right for you will depend on the type of diabetes you have and how well your blood sugar is controlled.
2. Diet: Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for people with diabetes. A healthy diet for people with diabetes includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated and unhealthy fats.
3. Exercise: Exercise is another important part of managing diabetes. Exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. People with diabetes should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

• How can I prevent diabetes?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent diabetes, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding smoking

If you have a family history of diabetes or if you are overweight or obese, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

• Conclusion

Diabetes is a serious chronic condition, but it can be managed with medication, diet, and exercise. If you have diabetes, it is important to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. By following your treatment plan, you can help to prevent the complications of diabetes and live a long and healthy life.

• References

• American Diabetes Association. (2023). Standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care, 46(Supplement 1), S1–S196.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). National diabetes statistics report, 2023.
• World Health Organization. (2023). Diabetes.
• American Diabetes Association: https://diabetesjournals.org/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Diabetes: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.html/
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/