DIABETES........

                                                                                                                                                             

Some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are:

·         Feeling more thirsty than usual.

·         Urinating often.

·         Losing weight without trying.

·         Presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there's not enough available insulin.

·         Feeling tired and weak.

·         Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.

·         Having blurry vision.

·         Having slow-healing sores.

      Getting a lot of infections, such as gum, skin and vaginal infections.    

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It's also the brain's main source of fuel.   

The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems.

Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. But the blood sugar levels aren't high enough to be called diabetes. And prediabetes can lead to diabetes unless steps are taken to prevent it. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy. But it may go away after the baby is born.

Diagnosis and Tests

Purpose of Diagnostic Tests:

·         Confirming or ruling out a disease: Diagnostic tests help determine if a patient has a particular condition or if they are healthy. 

·         Monitoring treatment: Tests can track how well a treatment is working and whether adjustments are needed. 

·         Prognosis: Tests can help predict the likely course of a disease and its potential outcomes. 

 

Types of Diagnostic Tests:

·         Laboratory Tests: These involve analyzing samples of blood, urine, or other bodily fluids. 

·         Imaging Tests: These create pictures of the body's internal structures, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasounds. 

·         Biopsies: These involve taking a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. 

·         Endoscopy: This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the body to visualize internal organs. 

 

Diagnostic Process:

·         Gathering information: Doctors start by taking a patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. 

·         Ordering tests: Based on the initial findings, doctors may order specific diagnostic tests to help narrow down potential diagnoses. 

·         Interpreting results: The results of these tests are then analyzed to confirm or rule out specific conditions.

Management and Treatment

             Healthy Eating:

Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit saturated fats, salt, and sugar, particularly in processed foods. 

·         Physical Activity:

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking, cycling) per week. Incorporate muscle-strengthening exercises two days a week. 

·         Weight Management:

If overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of body weight can significantly improve blood sugar control. 

·         Stress & Sleep:

Manage stress and aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night. 

Medical Treatment & Monitoring

·         Medications:

·         For Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin therapy is a lifelong requirement. 

·         For Type 2 Diabetes: Oral medications like metformin or SGLT-2 inhibitors can help lower blood sugar. Other options include sulfonylureas or insulin. 

·         Blood Glucose Monitoring:

Regularly check your blood sugar levels to stay informed and make adjustments as needed. 

·         Managing Other Conditions:

People with diabetes often need medication to control high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, which are linked to serious complications. 

Preventing Complications

·         Regular Check-ups:

Get regular eye exams to screen for retinopathy (an eye disease that can cause blindness) and foot care to prevent ulcers. 

·         Know Your Numbers:

Work with your healthcare team to understand and manage your blood pressure and cholesterol to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

·         Learn About Hypoglycemia:

Understand the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as sweating and confusion, and what to do if it occurs.