Type 1 & 2 Diabetes - Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that causes a spike in blood sugar levels. It is a chronic long-lasting condition in which the sugar levels go up causing an increase in glucose levels in the bloodstream. If left untreated, high sugar levels may cause many complications. In this blog, we shall discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of type 1 & 2 diabetes.
Untreated high blood sugar levels can cause major damage to multiple systems of the body including nerves, eyes, kidneys, and organs. In this context, GS Hospital, the Top Private Hospital in Delhi NCR, takes an initiative to bring about diabetes awareness to control blood sugar levels. This hospital is counted among the top 10 private hospitals in Uttar Pradesh with a team of the best cardiologists. So, let's give you a sneak peek at diabetes at this top heart care hospital in Ghaziabad.
Types of Diabetes
The diabetes is classified as type 1 and type 2 diabetes based on insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone secreted from beta cells of the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. The different types of diabetes are as follows:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is known as an autoimmune disorder. In an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks and destroys the body's healthy cells of the pancreas. The beta cells of the pancreas produce insulin. In type 1 diabetes, there is damage to pancreatic cells which causes lack or no insulin release leading to type 1 diabetes. It is a chronic condition due to lack of insulin which causes high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is called insulin-dependent diabetes. That is why, it has been seen that type 1 diabetes is generally dependent on insulin injections.
Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the patients generally become resistant to insulin and they stop responding to insulin. This causes sugar to build up in the body. Type 2 Diabetes is generally considered non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It is generally taken care of with medications.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes mainly occurs in pregnancy. The placenta produces insulin-blocking hormones which cause an impact on insulin secretion. Reduced insulin secretion by the placenta causes this type of diabetes.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a term used when blood sugar levels are at the borderline. This can lead to prediabetic conditions. At this stage, it is important to control the blood sugar levels with lifestyle modifications.
Incidence of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common conditions. Amongst all the different types of diabetes, type 2 diabetes is considered the most common form of diabetes. As per research, 537 million adults globally have diabetes. The statistics confirm that the number will rise to 645 million by 2030 and 785 million by 2045.
Causes of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
High blood sugar levels are the main cause of diabetes. The major reasons for high sugar levels are as follows:
Genetic
Aging
Unhealthy eating habits with high sugar levels
Stress with increased cortisol levels
Obesity and being overweight
Insulin resistance when muscles and liver cells do not respond to the insulin levels
Damage to the pancreas or pancreas disorder
Autoimmune disease
Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid
Long-term chronic health issues
Long-term consumption of steroids or any other medications
Metabolic syndrome
Lack of physical activity
Any surgery
Common symptoms of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
The symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are as follows:
Increased thirst (Polydipsia)
Frequent urination (Polyuria)
Increased hunger and appetite (Polyphagia)
Unexplained weight loss; losing weight while eating well
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Numbness or tingling of hands and feet
Slow-healing of wounds, cuts, and sores
Frequent skin infections
Recurrent vaginal infections
These are the common symptoms of diabetes. Apart from this, there are some specific symptoms for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Specific symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
The specific symptoms are as follows:
Type 1 diabetes-specific symptoms
Type 1 diabetes may show certain specific symptoms of DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) which include vomiting, stomach pains, fruity-smell breath, and labored breathing. This can lead to a complication and life-threatening condition of DKA which require immediate medical attention.
Type 2 diabetes-specific symptoms
In type 2 diabetes, you may not have any symptoms at all or it may develop gradually. Type 2 diabetes is mainly diagnosed through routine blood tests which reveal high blood sugar levels. One of the commonest signs of type 2 diabetes is acanthosis nigricans which is the darkening of the nape of the neck.
Gestational diabetes-specific symptoms
This is mainly detected through routine blood tests during the pregnancy. It is commonly seen in 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.
Complications of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
The complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are as follows:
Emergency complications of type 1 and type diabetes
Severe low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): This mainly occurs when there is a drop in blood sugar levels due to the use of insulin injections. The main signs of hypoglycemia are double vision, disorientation, low blood pressure, and seizures. This requires immediate emergency attention and intervention with glucagon.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): This is mainly seen in type 2 diabetes which causes high sugar levels for a long time resulting in dehydration and confusion. This needs immediate medical attention.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): This mainly occurs in type 1 diabetes where the body is unable to utilize glucose due to lack of insulin secretion. DKA causes the release of ketones causing increased acid in blood.
Long-term diabetes type 1 and type 2 complications
The long-term diabetes type 1 and type 2 complications are as follows:
Cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke
Nerve damage causing neuropathy
Kidney issues leading to nephropathy
Vision problems causing retinopathy
Diabetes-related foot condition or ulcer formation
Complicated and recurrent skin conditions
Sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction
Gum or teeth issues
Mental health issues such as depression and low confidence due to long-term diabetic medications.
Treatment of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes requires medication management with multiple strategies. Here is the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Blood sugar monitoring with a continuous glucose monitor, a blood test that includes fasting blood sugar levels, post-prandial blood sugar levels, and HbA1c.
Oral antidiabetic medications such as Metformin
Insulin units in the form of injections, pens, pumps, rapid-acting insulin
Diet planning and counting carbs
Physical exercise to improve insulin resistance
Weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol control
Preventive Solutions for Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
The preventive solutions for type 1 and type 2 diabetes are as follows:
Target healthy lifestyle goals
Know the contributing factors for diabetes and eliminate it
Eat a healthy diet and control your sugar
Sweat it out to reduce weight and work towards a healthy weight
Manage your stress levels
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and tobacco
Focus on sound sleep for 7-8 hours/day
Continue your medications as prescribed by the doctor
Conclusion
GS Hospital, the best hospital in Noida, aims to control blood sugar levels in an effective way with strategic medication management for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This makes it the top care heart hospital in Ghaziabad providing diabetic care at its best. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to focus on a healthy lifestyle along with medications for holistic solutions. Diabetes can be controlled with medications. Lifestyle modifications can help give supportive solutions to overcome the diabetes issue.
