Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by an ineffective management of glucose in the bloodstream. It is not merely a blood sugar issue; rather, it stems from a disruption in insulin and leptin signaling.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder affecting how the body utilizes digested food for energy. The majority of what we consume breaks down into glucose, the primary energy source for the body.
After digestion, glucose enters the bloodstream, and cells utilize this glucose for fuel. However, glucose requires insulin for cellular absorption; insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells.
During mealtime, the pancreas automatically releases insulin. It ensures glucose enters the cells, thus blood glucose levels decline. Diabetes arises when blood sugar levels remain elevated due to improper glucose metabolism.
Individuals with diabetes experience significant blood glucose spikes (hyperglycemia) after meals. This condition results from the body's inadequate insulin production, improper utilization of insulin, or cellular resistance to insulin. Thus, elevated glucose levels persist in the bloodstream, denying cells the essential energy they need.
Why is it called Diabetes Mellitus?
The term "diabetes" originates from the Greek word "diabaineine," indicating a tubular organ that transports or expels water, highlighting the excessive urine production associated with the condition.
In 1675, Thomas Willis added "Mellitus," a Latin term meaning "honey," to describe the sweet taste of diabetic urine.
Matthew Dobson confirmed in 1776 that excess sugar in the urine and blood contributes to this sweetness.
History of Diabetes
In ancient times, Indians diagnosed diabetes by observing if ants were attracted to urine of the patient, dubbing it the "sweet urine disease." This naming convention also appeared in ancient Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cultures.
The Role of the Pancreas in Diabetes: In 1889, researchers Joseph von Mering and Oskar Minkowski established the pancreas's involvement in diabetes by instigating symptoms in dogs post-pancreas removal.
Insulin Production: In 1910, Sir Edward Albert Sharpey-Schafer discovered that a lack of a specific hormone from the pancreas leads to diabetes.
World Diabetes Day: In 1922, Frederick Banting successfully extracted insulin from cow pancreases; establishing the first effective diabetes treatment. He earned the Nobel Prize in 1923 for this landmark work. November 14, his birthday, is now recognized as World Diabetes Day.
Distinguishing Diabetes Types: In 1936, Sir Harold Percival Himsworth published works that classified diabetes into type 1 and type 2.
Diabetes Facts
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition defined by elevated blood glucose levels linked to issues with insulin production and regulation. The condition primarily encompasses three types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
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By 2016, the global population of individuals with diabetes reached 422 million, up from approximately 382 million in 2013 and 108 million in 1980. The incidence of diabetes among adults over 18 years increased from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that diabetes caused 1.5 million fatalities in 2012, making it the eighth leading cause of death. Additionally, high blood sugar complications led to another 2.2 million deaths. In 2014, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that diabetes accounted for 4.9 million deaths globally.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes represents a medical condition where the body cannot synthesize insulin. Consequently, individuals with type 1 diabetes must administer insulin injections throughout their lives.
This inability to produce insulin typically stems from the immune system erroneously targeting and damaging the pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin production.
Type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 10% of all diabetes cases. It is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes arises from the body’s insufficient insulin production or the cells' inadequate response to insulin, a phenomenon known as insulin resistance.
Recent research indicates that it represents a disorder arising from disruptions in insulin and leptin signaling, evolving over an extended period. Approximately 90% of diabetes cases are classified as type 2.
Many individuals achieve effective blood glucose control through healthy lifestyle modifications. A significant concern lies in the fact that over 50% of those affected remain unaware of their condition.
Type 2 diabetes involves issues with both insulin and leptin. Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells called the satiety hormone. It plays a vital role in regulating hunger and body weight. Leptin informs your brain about how much to eat and when to stop.
When you develop leptin resistance, weight gain becomes inevitable. Leptin is also responsible for proper insulin signaling; therefore, any impairment in this process can lead to insulin resistance. In conclusion, type 2 diabetes emerges from dysfunction in both insulin and leptin.
What is pre-diabetes?
Nearly all individuals with type 2 diabetes initially experienced prediabetes. The disruption in insulin and leptin signaling progresses gradually; it first leads to prediabetes and subsequently culminates in full-blown diabetes.
During prediabetes, blood glucose levels rise above normal but do not reach the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis. Implementing a healthy lifestyle can effectively reverse prediabetes and prevent the progression to full-fledged diabetes.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. In most cases, it resolves after childbirth. However, women who experience gestational diabetes face an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Often, a diabetes diagnosis during pregnancy may actually indicate type 2 diabetes rather than gestational diabetes. For many, managing blood glucose levels through diet and exercise is possible; only 10 to 20% require medication. Undiagnosed gestational diabetes can lead to complications during delivery, particularly involving larger-than-normal babies.
Are there additional types of diabetes?
Less common forms of diabetes include monogenic diabetes, which is hereditary, and diabetes related to cystic fibrosis.
What are the common symptoms of diabetes?
The prevalent symptoms of diabetes include increased urination, severe thirst, and continuous hunger.
Are you worried about your own health or that of a loved one? If so, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the symptom of type 2 diabetes and its associated type 2 risk factors.
Individuals at risk for type 1 diabetes must recognize the t1d symptoms and understand how to avert triggers associated with type 1 diabetes.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
To ascertain whether you have diabetes, healthcare professionals utilize three diagnostic methods for diabetes: the HbA1C test, the Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test, and the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).
How to manage type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition. It requires individuals to keep their blood sugar levels close to normal at the same time by avoiding hypoglycemic episodes.
Management involves lifelong insulin therapy, which can include injections, insulin pens, or pumps. Regular monitoring of blood glucose, typically 3 to 6 times daily. Additionally, adhering to a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet and regular physical activity for effective type 1 diabetes management.
How to manage type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition. Its management should prioritize maintaining blood sugar levels within a normal range while avoiding hypoglycemia.
You can accomplish this through a balanced diet, regular exercise, achieving weight loss finally, if it all fails then consider taking diabetes medication and, sometime even insulin injections may also be required.
Your body produces sufficient insulin, yet it struggles to recognizes and utilize it effectively. This condition reflects a more advanced phase of insulin resistance. Type 2 Diabetes is virtually reversible.
How do you prevent diabetes?
Modifying your lifestyle through maintaining a healthy weight, consuming nutritious foods, and engaging in regular physical activity demonstrates efficacy in delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes.
Is alternative medicine, specifically natural treatments, effective for managing diabetes?
Commonly utilized alternative natural therapies for diabetes include herbs, yoga, acupressure, and reflexology.
Diabetes complications
Poorly controlled diabetes results in various health complications related to the condition.
Poorly regulated blood glucose levels can lead to significant damage over time. Affected areas include blood vessels, the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Common complications of diabetes encompass heart attacks, strokes, retinopathy, nephropathy, erectile dysfunction, bladder control issues, and urinary tract infections.
Additional complications related to diabetes are gastroparesis, depression, foot issues, skin disorders, hearing impairment, gum diseases, infections, and wounds or lesions that heal more slowly.
However, if you control your blood glucose level within or close to a normal range, then the likelihood of facing these complications is nearly zero.