Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects the body’s ability to manage blood sugar (glucose) levels. Normally, the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that enables glucose to enter cells and provide energy. In diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, resulting in high blood sugar levels. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious health issues. With timely diagnosis and proper care, individuals can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
There are primarily three types of diabetes:
Diabetes can result from various factors, including:
A family history of diabetes raises the risk of developing the condition.
Being overweight especially with fat around the abdomen, reduces the body’s ability to use insulin effectively.
Hormonal disorders, such as PCOS or changes during pregnancy, like gestational diabetes, can affect how the body regulates blood sugar.
The risk of developing diabetes rises with age, especially after 45, as the body’s ability to produce and respond to insulin gradually declines.
Chronic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and metabolic disorders can further elevate the risk of diabetes.
Common diabetes symptoms include:
If diabetes is not adequately managed, it can lead to severe complications, such as:
Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular issues by damaging blood vessels and nerves that control your heart.
High blood sugar can damage the kidneys’ filtering system, potentially causing chronic kidney disease or failure.
Diabetes can damage nerves throughout the body, particularly in the hands and feet, causing pain, numbness, or tingling.
When diabetes is not managed well, it can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss or even blindness in extreme cases.
Diabetes increases the risk of infections, dry skin, and gum diseases among individuals.
Diabetes treatment depends on the type but generally aims to control symptoms and improve overall health. Common treatment options include:
Depending on the type and severity, diabetes management may involve oral medications, injectable drugs, or insulin therapy to regulate blood sugar levels.
Chronic stress can severely impact blood sugar levels. Techniques like breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation can be helpful.
Regularly checking blood sugar levels ensures that they remain within the target range and helps adjust medications or lifestyle accordingly.
For some individuals with Type 1 diabetes, pancreatic islet transplantation offers an alternative treatment option. It involves transferring insulin-producing islet cells from a donor into the patient’s liver, where they can begin to produce insulin.
At Dr Kamaraj Hospital for Men’s Health & Wellness, we follow a step-by-step approach to provide effective diabetes treatment.
Meet with our healthcare providers to discuss your medical history, symptoms, and concerns.
Dr. Kamaraj and his team of experts create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and health goals, focusing on effective diabetes management.
We provide continuous care through regular follow-ups to monitor your progress and support your long-term health journey.
The frequency depends on the type of diabetes and treatment plan. Most patients check daily or as advised by their doctor.
Frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and blurry vision are some of the common symptoms of diabetes.
While there’s no permanent cure, diabetes can be managed effectively with proper treatment.
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