Overview Diabetes Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that is characterized by abnormally high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The clinical name is diabetes illness and it is categorized as a metabolic disease.
Here is an overview of diabetes—causes, diagnosis, and symptoms.
The blood glucose levels are controlled by insulin, which is released by the pancreas. Diabetes is caused by insufficient levels of insulin, defective insulin, or when the body is not able to use it properly. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
The inability of the body to use the insulin efficiently affects cells of fat and muscle tissues mostly. This condition is known as the insulin resistance and is one of the main health issues associated with Type 2 diabetes.
In cases where there is no insulin being produced in the body is the problem that characterizes Type 1 diabetes.
The symptoms of diabetes occur when there are abnormal sugar levels in the blood. However, it is to be noted that the symptoms may vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of diabetes are as follows-
- Increased urination, especially in the middle of sleep
- Feeling excessive thirst frequently
- Increased hunger
- Chronic fatigue
- Skin problems
- Wounds and cuts that heal slowly
- Yeast infections or thrush
- Numbness or a tingling sensation in the feet or toes
- Blurry vision
Some of the risk factors that increase the risk of a person getting diabetes include obesity, high blood pressure, high levels of triglycerides or bad cholesterol, low levels of good cholesterol or HDL, history of diabetes in the family, lifestyle choices, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose tolerance.
Doctors may ask individuals showing symptoms of diabetes to undergo a fasting blood sugar test. It is an easy and convenient test. The test requires the person to fast for eight hours prior to it. The normal sugar levels in the blood are supposed to be lower than 100 milligrams per deciliter. If the levels are higher than 126 milligrams per deciliter at more than two occasions, it is an indication of diabetes.
Apart from the fasting blood sugar test, there is also a random blood sugar test used by the doctor that may help to diagnose diabetes. When the blood glucose level is 200 milligrams per deciliter, it is an indication of diabetes.
If you feel that your body is showing signs of diabetes, then you may want to get an appointment with a doctor to diagnose your condition. Your doctor may ask you to undergo some tests. Make sure you ask your doctor what preparations you need to make before these tests. This information may be important for you when the doctor has asked to take a fasting blood test. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight management can help you in controlling blood sugar levels and keeping diabetes at bay. It is important to take care of yourself at all times and prevent such diseases. Make healthy choices when it comes to food and start exercising to avoid the causes of diabetes.
