What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs due to insulin deficiency or absence, leading to high blood sugar levels. It is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, causing serious organ damage and reducing quality of life. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is a hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the bloodstream to cells for energy.

Without insulin, the body cannot process nutrients efficiently, causing glucose to accumulate in the blood. In healthy individuals, sugar from food is absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to cells with the help of insulin. In diabetes patients, however, insulin is either insufficient or ineffective, preventing sugar absorption by cells and leading to high blood sugar levels. While diabetes has no definitive cure, blood sugar levels can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes and medical treatment.

Who Is at Risk for Diabetes?

People at high risk for developing diabetes include:

• Overweight individuals

• Those with a family history of diabetes

• Physically inactive individuals

• Those with high blood pressure (hypertension)

• People consuming high-fat and low-fiber foods

• Individuals taking certain medications

• Women who have experienced gestational diabetes

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is classified into two main types:

Type 1 Diabetes:

• Mostly diagnosed in children and young adults.

• Less common (affects less than 10% of diabetes patients).

• The body does not produce insulin, requiring daily insulin injections.

Type 2 Diabetes:

• The most common form of diabetes (affects 90% of diabetes patients).

• The body produces insulin, but it does not function effectively, and insulin production gradually declines over time.

• Usually develops after age 40.

• Treatment may involve medication or insulin therapy.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Common signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination

• Excessive hunger or thirst

• Fatigue

• Slow healing wounds

• Frequent infections

• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

• Blurry vision

• Sexual dysfunction

• Dry skin and itching

• Unexpected weight loss

Long-term effects of diabetes include cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, vision impairment, stroke risk, nerve damage, foot ulcers, frequent infections, and sexual health issues.

Diabetes Treatment

The primary goal of diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits and prevent complicationscaused by the disease. Effective diabetes management increases both lifespan and quality of life.

1. Patient education is crucial—understanding the disease is the first step in controlling it.

2. Diabetes treatment is individualized—what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

3. Diet management is key—diabetes patients must maintain a proper caloric intake to avoid fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

4. Nutrition plans should be customized by a dietitian and strictly followed.

5. Medical nutrition therapy includes three main meals and three snacks to promote frequent and balancedeating habits.

6. Sugar-containing foods (e.g., jam, chocolate, cakes, sodas) should be avoided.

7. Excess carbohydrates (e.g., bread, potatoes, pasta, rice) should be limited.

8. Vegetable-rich, high-fiber diets with 2-3 servings of fruit daily are recommended.

9. Drinking at least 2 liters (10 glasses) of water per day is advised.

10. Exercise is essential—walking is the best physical activity for diabetes patients.

11. Walking should be done at a moderate pace for at least 45 minutes, three times a week.

12. Medication and/or insulin therapy should be prescribed by a doctor and followed carefully.

13. Regular health check-ups are essential for long-term diabetes management.