Diabetes is a serious chronic condition that severely impacts all your other organs in the long run. People often wonder what causes diabetes- whether it is genetic, lifestyle-based, diet-based, etc. Understanding diabetes is the first step toward managing and living a healthy life with this condition.
In this blog, we will cover the causes, risk factors, types of diabetes and the simple measures you can take in order to manage diabetes in the most effective manner.
What Are The Different Types Of Diabetes?
Diabetes can be broadly categorised into three types-
Type 1 Diabetes- Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 Diabetes- Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin and a relative insulin deficiency. It is also known as a lifestyle-related problem.
Gestational Diabetes- Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the increased needs during pregnancy, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
What Causes Diabetes? – Risk Factors
A lot of people remain anxious about what causes diabetes and how you can avoid it. Diabetes can be caused due to a number of reasons. Some of the risk factors of diabetes include-
- A family history of diabetes
- Being overweight
- High blood pressure
- High levels of stress
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Certain medications
- High levels of triglycerides
Symptoms Of Diabetes
Some short term symptoms of diabetes include fatigue, blurry vision, tingling sensation in your legs, etc. In the long run, the symptoms can turn into serious complications if not handled in the right manner. Long-term complications of diabetes include nerve damage, cardiovascular problems, etc.
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What Causes Diabetes And How Can You Manage It?
Managing diabetes is not a difficult task. It can be managed at home by following simple measures. Some of them have been mentioned below-
Eat A Nutritious Diet
A person with diabetes should eat a diet which is rich in fibre and has less carbohydrates. While choosing ingredients for your diet, you should select the ones that have a low glycemic index. They will get slowly digested in your body and will not lead to a spike in your sugar levels.
Regular Physical Activity
It is proven that exercising regularly and keeping your weight within the ideal range can help you manage your sugar levels. However, you should not engage in high-intensity exercises. You can opt for brisk walking, swimming or cycling as regular forms of exercise.
Monitor Your Sugar Levels Regularly
By keeping a regular tab on your sugar levels, you can assess the effectiveness of your diabetes plan. You will also analyse if a particular food item or exercise is suiting you or not. You can do it with the help of a sugar testing machine and get accurate results within seconds.
Manage Your Stress Levels
High levels of stress can lead to a spike in your sugar levels. You should make sure that you follow healthy practices that help you keep your stress levels in check. You can practise meditation, yoga, have a good laugh with friends, etc.
Is There Any Treatment For Diabetes?
Although the cure of diabetes has not been developed, you can only manage it with some easy lifestyle changes. You should always seek medical advice from your doctor and health coach to keep your sugar levels within the desired range. Every time that you experience a fluctuation in your blood glucose levels, you should seek immediate help in order to avoid Hyperglycemia/ Hypoglycemia.
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Conclusion
Effectively managing diabetes involves a multi-faceted approach. Medications, including insulin for Type 1 and various oral medications for Type 2, play a crucial role. However, lifestyle changes, such as adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, are equally important. Regular blood sugar monitoring empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their daily routines.
Disclaimer:The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information .
Dr. Navneet Agarwal is an established and highly skilled Diabetology with over 25 years of experience in Diabetology & Obesity. He is well-regarded for his quality and patient-centered diabetes care. Also, keep track of your blood sugar levels with a Doctors’ approved smart glucometer and elevate your healthcare routine.
Very informative article