While the idea of diabetes is well-known, what the condition actually is and how it affects the body is less understood.
Put simply, diabetes is a chronic condition where there is too much glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Glucose levels are normally controlled by insulin, a hormone created by the pancreas that controls blood sugar levels. With diabetes, the body either can’t produce insulin, can’t produce enough of it, or can’t use insulin effectively to keep these glucose levels in check.
High glucose levels can be dangerous, and lead to a lot of medical complications in the future.
Types of diabetes
Three main types of diabetes exist, all requiring complex support.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system actively destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This means the body can’t keep glucose levels down by itself.
It isn’t linked to any lifestyle factors, and its cause is unknown. Its onset occurs most frequently in people under 30 years old.
Type 2 diabetes
With type 2 diabetes, the body builds up a resistance to the usual effects of insulin, and the pancreas isn’t able to produce enough insulin to manage glucose levels by itself. This is by far the most common type of diabetes, making up almost 90% of cases.
More common in those with a family history of diabetes. However, it can often be linked to modifiable lifestyle factors, such as:
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Lack of exercise
The good news here is that with some lifestyle changes, type 2 diabetes can be more easily managed.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects around 5-10% of pregnant women, where higher than normal glucose levels are detected in the blood.
Gestational diabetes doesn’t generally affect the pregnancy or the baby, and typically resolves itself after birth. However it means that the mother is required to go on a healthy eating plan to manage blood glucose levels.
Common diabetes symptoms – how do I know if I have diabetes?
There are a number of common diabetes symptoms to watch out for. These can include:
- Increase in thirst or hunger
- Excessive urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Itchy skin
- Cuts or wounds take a long time to heal
Type 1 diabetes can often come with unexplained weight loss, whereas people with type 2 diabetes may experience gradual weight gain.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms tend to appear suddenly, so are easier to notice. Conversely, type 2 diabetes symptoms occur gradually, so are harder to spot.
Diabetes management: treatment, medication, and lifestyle adjustments
Diabetes is a chronic condition, which means that both type 1 and type 2 will stick with you for life. However, with the right approach and diabetes care, the condition can be manageable.
The first step is to see your GP to organise a diabetes management plan. Your doctor will advise on how to approach your condition, and whether you need regular blood glucose monitoring.
People with Type 1 diabetes will need to undergo regular insulin replacement to control blood glucose levels. This can be done either by an insulin pump or injections.
For people with type 2 diabetes, much of it can be managed by changing lifestyle factors. This includes things like quitting smoking, making healthier food choices, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Medication may be required to help manage your blood glucose levels, and your doctor will advise if this is required.
Gestational diabetes can be managed by following a healthy eating plan to keep blood glucose levels under control.
Take charge of your health with expert diabetes care
Brecken Health Mandurah is here to help you with a tailored diabetes management plan. Get in touch with us to book an appointment, and discuss how the right support and diabetes treatment plan can help you take back control of your life.