Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease that affects the body's ability to convert food into energy. Your body turns the bulk of what you eat into sugar, which is then released into the bloodstream. Insulin is released because the body's blood sugar levels increase after eating since you need insulin for glucose to permeate your body's cells and be utilized as energy.

If you have diabetes mellitus, your body will either produce insufficient insulin or utilize it incorrectly. Excess glucose accumulates in your bloodstream when you have this condition, and your cells cease to react to insulin, or your insulin is too low. That can eventually cause serious health issues like heart disease, renal disease, and eyesight loss.

Types of diabetes

1. Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system accidentally targets and kills the beta cells in the pancreas, which are tasked with producing insulin. The damage is irreparable, and it is still unclear why such attacks occur. Both hereditary and environmental factors contribute to the development of this condition, and lifestyle factors are not significant.

2. Type 2 diabetes

The first stage of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. Therefore, because your body does not utilize insulin effectively, your pancreas produces more insulin until it cannot meet the demand. A subsequent decrease in insulin synthesis results in high blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes doesn't have specific causation. However, potential contributing elements include:

Genetics.
A sedentary lifestyle.
Being overweight or obese.
Other environmental and health variables.

3. Gestational diabetes

The pregnancy-related production of insulin-blocking hormones results in gestational diabetes. Pregnancy is the only way this form of diabetes occurs. People with previous prediabetes and a family history of diabetes are also more likely to experience it.

Approximately half of women with gestational diabetes get type 2 diabetes.

Complications that arise from untreated diabetes

Untreated diabetes will eventually lead to serious complications, including:

Heart disease: Diabetics are more likely than non-diabetics to experience heart issues and strokes.
Kidney failure: The kidneys' vast collections of small blood arteries power the filtering process of the kidneys. Unfortunately, this filtration system can be harmed by diabetes, which could result in renal failure.
Loss of vision: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause vision loss due to the retina's blood vessels being damaged by the condition. Additionally, major vision problems like glaucoma and cataracts could develop.
Nerve damage: Also known as neuropathy, nerve damage affects nearly half of all people with diabetes.
Infections: People with diabetes who have dry skin may become more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections due to high blood sugar levels. Apply moisturizers to your skin to prevent rubbing or scratching, especially on your legs, which could cause skin infections.
Foot issues: Diabetes increases the chance of a variety of foot issues by potentially causing nerve damage, distorting the form of your feet, or having inadequate blood flow to the feet. Serious infections that would necessitate an amputation could arise if neglected.

Take charge of your condition

The type of diabetes you have, your general health, and other criteria will determine the appropriate management strategies. It would be best if you thus discussed the diabetes management techniques that could be effective for you with your doctor.

Nevertheless, certain types of diabetes can be treated using a number of broad management strategies. These include;

i. Exercise more

A very effective diabetes management strategy is exercise - no more flopping on the sofa with your Springbok casino bonus to play online games. Your body will use sugar to fuel your muscles when you work out. This will help you manage your condition and lower your blood sugar.

Additionally, exercise will increase your body's sensitivity to insulin, and your ability to utilize less insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels will grow as your sensitivity does. You should seek approval from your healthcare professional before starting an exercise program.

ii. Change your diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential if you have diabetes. In general, you should attempt to eat lean meat, vegetables, and plenty of healthy fats with fruits in moderation. These foods are high in nutrients and low in fat and calories. Along with consuming these nutritious meals, limit your intake of sugary foods, starches, and processed carbohydrates.

iii. Utilize medicine

Your intervention may heavily rely on medication. For instance, insulin is frequently used to control blood glucose levels. You will receive comprehensive instructions from your healthcare professional on administering insulin and testing your blood sugar.

You should carefully adhere to all of these guidelines in order to manage your condition effectively. Additionally, never use expired insulin.

iv. Stop smoking

You will find it more challenging to manage your diabetes if you smoke cigarettes. When you smoke, it is more difficult for your heart and arteries to pump blood throughout your body. Additionally, if you are a person with type 2 diabetes that smokes, you will likely need to use more insulin to manage your glucose levels.

v. Reduce your stress levels

Your body may have more difficulty controlling the quantity of sugar in your blood when you are extremely worried or agitated. If you are in a stressful situation, your blood sugar levels may increase as a type 2 diabetic. The opposite might happen if you have type 1 diabetes. These changes could harm your health and result in health complications.

Managing your stress levels will help you regulate your glucose levels.