Diabetes A Silent Threat
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t1 produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does produce. Insulin is a hormone that helps2 glucose (sugar) from food get into your cells to be used for energy.
Types of Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form of diabetes, often associated with lifestyle factors like obesity and physical inactivity.
Symptoms of Diabetes
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Fatigue
Complications of Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including:
- Heart Disease and Stroke: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Kidney Disease: Diabetes can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar can damage nerves, causing numbness, tingling, and pain.
- Eye Damage: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems.
- Foot Problems: Nerve damage and poor blood flow can lead to foot ulcers and infections.
Managing Diabetes
To manage diabetes, it’s important to:
- Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regularly check your blood sugar levels to ensure they are within a healthy range.
- Healthy Eating: Follow a balanced diet that is low in sugar and high in fiber.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Medications: Take prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your diabetes and overall health.
By managing diabetes effectively, you can reduce the risk of complications and live a healthy life.