Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also referred to as blood sugar, is too high.

Glucose is a significant source of energy, and it is the primary fuel for your body’s cells. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used as energy. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it the way it should.

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes:.

Type 1 Diabetes

It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in your pancreas that produce insulin.

This type of diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults and requires daily insulin injections or an insulin pump to survive.

Type 2 Diabetes

It is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 90-95% of all cases. This type of diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels.

It is often managed with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication.

Gestational Diabetes

It is diagnosed during pregnancy and occurs when your body can’t produce enough insulin to meet the extra needs during pregnancy.

It usually goes away after giving birth, but women who have gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The Impact of Diabetes on Living Past 60

Living with diabetes can be challenging, and it can affect your quality of life. Diabetes can lead to many complications, such as:.

Cardiovascular Disease

People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than people without diabetes.

High blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control your heart and blood vessels, leading to chest pain, heart attack, stroke, and other heart-related complications.

Kidney Damage

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys, preventing them from working correctly. Over time, this damage can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Vision Loss and Blindness

Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina, the part of your eye that senses light and sends signals to your brain. It can lead to vision loss, blindness, and other eye problems, such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Nerve Damage

High blood glucose levels can damage the nerves in your body, leading to peripheral neuropathy. This condition can cause tingling, burning, or numbness in your hands and feet, and can also affect other parts of your body.

Foot Complications

Diabetes can affect the blood flow to your feet and damage the nerves in your feet and legs. This can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and, in severe cases, amputation.

Preventing Diabetes Complications

Living with diabetes can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to prevent or delay complications:.

Manage Your Blood Glucose levels

The most crucial thing you can do to prevent diabetes complications is to keep your blood glucose levels in your target range.

This involves checking your blood glucose levels regularly, taking your medications as prescribed, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a balanced, healthy diet is essential for people with diabetes. This involves consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and limiting your intake of saturated fat, salt, and sugar.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is beneficial for people with diabetes because it can improve your blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall health.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can lead to many health problems, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. It can also increase your risk of developing diabetes complications. If you smoke, try to quit, and avoid secondhand smoke.

Visit Your Doctor Regularly

Regular checkups with your healthcare team are essential for managing your diabetes and preventing complications. They can help you adjust your medications, monitor your blood glucose levels, and provide education and support.

The Bottom Line

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It can lead to many complications, and it can affect your quality of life.

However, by managing your blood glucose levels, making healthy lifestyle choices, and getting regular checkups, you can prevent or delay complications and live a long, healthy life.