Diabetes – What is it, what causes it and how is it treated?

Diabetes

Diabetes is an epidemic in the Western world that currently affects 246 million people . It is a chronic disease meaning that it’s long lasting and often persistes for life . There is currently no cure , however many methods have been found to manage and control the effects.

Diabetes can be a genetic or acquired disease that affects the metabolic process resulting in a high   blood sugar levels. This can consequently affect the body in a number of different ways.  The body can normally respond to high sugar levels   by manufacturing insulin. However, sufferers of diabetes experience either a diminished output of insulin or their body becomes accustomed to its effects; known as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 can be treated by insulin management , and type 2 can be controlled through diet, exercise and a number of medications.

How Diabetes is Contracted

Diabetes has been proven to be for the most part genetically inherited and is more common in older people . It can also be caused by self-induced unhealthy habits such as eating unhealthy foods and lack of exercise. When people become overweight , particularly around the abdominal area, signals a more risk of acquiring the disease. Less commonly , diabetes can be initiated by infection, stress or exposure to a range of drugs and chemicals. Some people are more susceptible to these catalysts .

How does Diabetes Manifest Itself?

The disease can be discovered by a number of common symptoms such as mental weariness, feeling a lack of energy , constant need to go to the toilet , bigger appetite, bigger thirst and resultant increased fluid intake .

As a consequence of diabetes, the renal system has too much sugar for the body to handle . This can eventually lead to numerous of issues . The higher blood sugar level elevates the amount of urine produced by the body and higher levels of fluid loss which can then result in kidney problems . When a higher than normal of glucose is results , it can cause blurred vision and retinal damage which can in turn lead to blindness. Another common sign of diabetes is nausea, vomiting and atypical stomach pain.

Management and Prevention

Sufferers can suppress the disease through diet and exercise . It is often recommended to eat healthy and exercise regularly in order to maintain a healthy weight. Patients are also advised to measure blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. There are numerous medicative remedies available which may lower both blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels to normal levels ,  and reduce conswquential effects that diabetes inflicts on the body.

In Summary

The incidence of diabetes has risen mainly in the Western world.  It can be acquired through inheritance from previous generations and through poor living habits.  There are a number of preventative measures that can be taken to help people to treat and live with the disease.