Different Types of Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that produces elevated blood sugar levels. Inadequate production of the hormone insulin causes it. Insulin regulates the glucose from food to the specific areas of the body that need it. Insufficient production or inefficient use of insulin results in the accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream, which leads to hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar levels). According to the best diabetologist in Hyderabad at Magna Centre, diabetes can affect individuals across all age groups. However, by adopting lifestyle modifications, one can control the condition, and individuals can maintain overall health without facing any complications.
This article will shed light on the different types of diabetes, as well as their symptoms, causes and treatment options.
What are the Different Types of Diabetes?
1. Type 1 Diabetes
Causes
One common type of diabetes is Type 1 diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease that leads to a massive decline in insulin production. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not clear. However, the condition can affect individuals of all ages, and it usually appears in young adults, teenagers and children.
Symptoms
Following are some of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Excess hunger
- Tiredness
- Slow healing of wounds
- Blurred vision
- Vaginal yeast infections
Treatment and Management Options
People with type 1 diabetes require multiple amounts of synthetic insulin every day to keep their blood sugar levels in control. Type 1 diabetes can be controlled with:
- Regular blood glucose monitoring
- Administration of insulin
Insulin can be taken in many ways, such as multiple daily injections, insulin pumps, prefilled insulin pens, rapid-acting inhaled insulin, etc. Regular visits to the best endocrinologist in Hyderabad are also important to ensure proper insulin dosage and overall diabetes management.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
Causes
Type 2 diabetes often occurs when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin. It can also occur if the body fails to respond to insulin normally. Although it usually affects adults, type 2 diabetes can occur in children. It is mainly caused by abnormal genes or lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of exercise.
Symptoms
Following are some of the common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes:
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Fatigue
- Excessive thirst
- Tingling in feet or hands
- Slow wound healing
- Sudden weight loss
Treatment and Management Options
Type 2 diabetes has no certain cure. However, it can be managed by:
- A glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) monitors blood sugar while ensuring it is within normal range.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle to control blood pressure, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking. The diabetologist may prescribe medications like beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors.
- Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels through a diet low in fat, sugar, and salt. Statins can also be recommended to reduce cholesterol levels.
- Besides following a healthy diet, the diabetes specialist may also prescribe medications for the management of type 2 diabetes. These include medications such as metformin to control liver glucose production, rapid-acting inhaled insulin, self-administered injectable insulin shots and an insulin pump that delivers insulin via a cannula.
3. Gestational Diabetes
Causes
Gestational diabetes develops when hormonal changes during pregnancy affect the functioning of insulin and increases blood sugar levels. The condition usually occurs between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is caused by various factors such as being overweight, genetics, hormonal fluctuations, etc.
Symptoms
The symptoms of gestational diabetes are nausea, frequent urination, fatigue, thirst, etc.
Treatment and Management Options
Gestational diabetes can be managed with modification in diet and exercise. However, some women require insulin to effectively control diabetes.
What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage Diabetes?
The diabetes treatment aims to manage blood sugar levels and reduce the likelihood of complications. Following are some of the lifestyle changes that one can adopt:
1. Diet: One must eat a healthy and balanced diet. They can include fruits and vegetables, proteins, and healthy fat to control blood sugar levels. One should limit intake of sugary food and processed food.
2. Quit Smoking: Smoking can aggravate the complications of diabetes. Therefore, quitting smoking can improve one’s overall health and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
3. Regular Exercise: One can engage in physical activities such as cycling, swimming or brisk walking. This improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels.
4. Keep a Check on Weight: Losing severe weight, if overweight or obese, can help control blood sugar levels. Moreover, it also improves insulin sensitivity. Even losing 5-10% of body weight can have significant health benefits for individuals with diabetes.
Consult the Top Diabetologist at Magna Centre
If one is searching for a renowned diabetologist in Hyderabad to manage blood sugar levels, one can visit Magna Centre. The expert doctor will treat individuals with a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and exercise. They can effectively treat type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, etc.
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