The world is currently facing an epidemic that is silently affecting millions of people around the world. This epidemic is not a virus or a bacteria, but a disease that has been affecting people for years – diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way your body processes blood sugar or glucose, which is the main source of energy for your cells. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and blindness.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are currently 451 million adults worldwide living with diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is classified into three types: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and accounts for about 5-10% of all diabetes cases worldwide. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections or an insulin pump to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and accounts for approximately 90-95% of all diabetes cases worldwide.

This type of diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, or when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults over the age of 40, but is increasingly affecting younger adults and children due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of physical activity.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. This type of diabetes usually disappears after the birth of the baby, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Risk Factors for Diabetes

There are several risk factors that increase your chances of developing diabetes:.

Family History

If you have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes, your risk of developing the disease is higher. If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, you are also at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Obesity and Physical Inactivity

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Physical inactivity also increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Exercise helps your body use insulin more efficiently and can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for developing diabetes. These conditions can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Race and Ethnicity

Some ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Native Americans, are more likely to develop diabetes than other ethnic groups.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type of diabetes and the individual.

Type 1 Diabetes

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop quickly, over a period of weeks. These symptoms include:.

Increased thirst and urination
Extreme hunger
Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision

Type 2 Diabetes

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually develop gradually over a period of years. These symptoms include:.

Increased thirst and urination
Increased hunger
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Slow-healing wounds or infections

Diagnosis of Diabetes

Diabetes can be diagnosed through blood tests that measure your blood sugar levels.

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test

The fasting plasma glucose test measures your blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. If your blood sugar level is between 100 and 125 mg/dL, you may have prediabetes.

If your blood sugar level is 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests, you may have diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

The oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood sugar levels before and after you drink a sugary drink. If your blood sugar level is between 140 and 199 mg/dL, you may have prediabetes.

If your blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests, you may have diabetes.

Treatment for Diabetes

The treatment for diabetes depends on the type of diabetes and the individual. Treatment may include:.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising can help manage type 2 diabetes. For type 1 diabetes, lifestyle changes can help manage the disease, but insulin injections or an insulin pump are necessary.

Medications

Medications such as insulin injections, oral medications, and injectable medications can help manage diabetes.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly can help manage diabetes and prevent complications.

Prevention of Diabetes

There are several ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes:.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help improve your body’s use of insulin and can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, high in fiber, and rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Lose Weight

Losing weight if you are overweight or obese can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Stop Smoking

Stopping smoking can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Smoking increases your risk of developing diabetes and other chronic diseases.