Diabetes is a chronic health condition that requires immediate treatment. People with diabetes are unable to naturally produce and process an important hormone called insulin which helps regulate glucose levels in the blood. It is usually caused by a variety of factors like genetics, autoimmune diseases, and the overall lifestyle of an individual. Read more to learn about the different types of diabetes below.
- Type 1 diabetes
Those with this type of diabetes may be suffering from an autoimmune reaction that inhibits your pancreas from making insulin. Having type 1 diabetes can happen at any point of your life, but it is more common in children and adolescents. Your doctor may prescribe you to undergo insulin therapy to help address your condition. This means that you may need to take insulin for the rest of your life to help maintain healthy levels of glucose.
- Type 2 diabetes
This is the most common type of diabetes that is usually found in middle-aged and older adults. Having type 2 diabetes means your body does not generate or process insulin well. According to Mayo Clinic, the exact reason why your body suddenly starts becoming insulin-resistant remains unknown, but family history of diabetes and an unhealthy lifestyle can greatly increase your risk levels. It is generally recommended that you start living a healthier lifestyle when you are at risk or are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to help regulate your blood sugar. If a balanced diet and an active lifestyle doesn’t work out for you, your doctor will design an individualized treatment plan is designed to help manage your condition.
- Gestational diabetes
Pregnancy can be difficult for some women and can cause them to develop gestational diabetes (GDM). The good news is that this condition usually goes away after the mother gives birth. However, the mother has a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes later on. Regular consultation with an attending obstetrician is the key to monitoring if the pregnant woman is at risk of GDM, since symptoms may be mild or may not be as obvious without proper testing.
If the risk of developing GDM is high, the woman must consider losing a bit of weight before deciding to get pregnant. This can help lessen her chances of developing GDM during pregnancy.
There are also other rare types of diabetes that are linked to autoimmune diseases and other preexisting health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. It is important that you are aware of your risk levels and keep a close eye on your blood sugar to avoid getting sick.
Symptoms
Look out for diabetes symptoms like:
- Unexpected weight loss
- Slow healing wounds
- Blurred vision
- Increased thirst (polydipsia)
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- Excessive hunger (polyphagia)
Diabetes can be managed and prevented through healthy weight management and other lifestyle changes. Immediately consult your doctor before your symptoms get worse. Read more about how vitamin D can help reduce your diabetes risk here.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/gestational
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-types.html
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes
https://dtc.ucsf.edu/types-of-diabetes/type2/understanding-type-2-diabetes/type-2-diabetes-faqs/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes
