Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, encompasses a range of conditions that influence how your body responds to blood sugar. When you consume food, it is converted into glucose (blood sugar), which serves as the primary energy source for your body. In diabetes, there can be an abnormal increase in blood sugar levels, leading to serious health complications.
Types of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes, including:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
- Prediabetes
While Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions, the others may be reversible.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on blood sugar levels and may not always be present, particularly in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Heightened feelings of hunger or frequent hunger pangs
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss
- Recurring infections
- Mood swings
- Presence of ketones in urine
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slower healing of sores
Causes of Diabetes
The causes of diabetes differ depending on the type:
- Type 1 Diabetes: The precise cause remains unclear. It is believed that an autoimmune response mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to an insulin deficiency and elevated blood sugar levels.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This condition arises when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin. Over time, the pancreas may not produce enough insulin, resulting in increased blood sugar levels.
- Gestational Diabetes: This type occurs during pregnancy due to hormones that can cause insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar.
- Prediabetes: In this condition, blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It shares similar causes with Type 2 diabetes, primarily cell resistance to insulin.
Risk Factors for Diabetes
Risk factors vary by type:
- For Type 1 Diabetes, factors include family history, environmental influences, and the presence of autoantibodies.
- For Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes, risks include excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, family history, advanced age, and high blood pressure.
- For Gestational Diabetes, increased risk is associated with higher body weight, age, and family history.
Diabetes Treatment
If you are at risk, routine screening and testing can aid in diagnosis. Common tests include the Glycated Hemoglobin test, random blood sugar test, and oral glucose tolerance test.
Your diabetes management plan will depend on your lifestyle, type of diabetes, overall health, and age. Treatment may include medication, along with advice on nutrition, physical activity, and monitoring symptoms.
Why Choose Us for Diabetes Treatment?
- State-of-the-art dialysis unit by Fresenius
- Affordable treatment options
- Customized treatment plans for optimal outcomes
- Advanced surgical techniques for swift recovery
- Expertise in specialized diabetic care
At the Department of Nephrology & Dialysis, we provide exceptional care protocols for the detection, prevention, and management of diabetes. Our nephrology team offers effective medical treatments and personalized guidance on lifestyle adjustments and dietary changes. We design care plans tailored to meet your unique health needs while accommodating your lifestyle.
