World Diabetes Day: Improving Well-Being Through Awareness and Education
World Diabetes Day is marked every year on 14th November, which is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. This year’s theme, 'Diabetes and Well-Being,' aims to raise awareness, improve care, and advocate for prevention among individuals worldwide.
In support of this mission, we’re addressing some frequently asked questions about diabetes to help inform and educate this condition.
What is Diabetes and how does it affect the human body?
Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot effectively process glucose (sugar) from food due to problems with insulin production or use. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it’s used for energy. For individuals with diabetes, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.
High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) can have both immediate and long-term effects on the body.
Immediate Effects: High blood sugar can lead to symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurry vision. If blood sugar rises too high, it can result in a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in people with Type 1 diabetes, or hyperglycemia hyperglycemic state (HHS) - experiencing very high blood glucose levels - in those with Type 2 diabetes.
Long-term Effects: Persistently high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves over time. This can lead to complications such as:
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Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Leading to pain, tingling, or loss of sensation, especially in the extremities.
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Kidney Disease (Nephropathy): High blood sugar can damage the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure if untreated.
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Eye Damage (Retinopathy): Can lead to vision loss and blindness.
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Foot Problems: Poor circulation and nerve damage can result in wounds or infections that heal slowly, increasing the risk of amputation.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes: This form of diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, individuals with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin, which is essential for properly processing glucose. Once these cells are destroyed, the loss of insulin production is permanent and cannot be naturally restored. Effective management of Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy, regular blood sugar monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments to help prevent complications and maintain overall health.
Type 2 Diabetes: This more common type typically develops gradually, often due to a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and lack of physical activity. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to meet its needs. Management often involves lifestyle changes, including improved diet and increased physical activity, and may require insulin if blood sugar levels are not well controlled by medication or appropriate dietary changes. Notably, Type 2 diabetes can occur in younger adults and even children, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
What are the early signs of Type 2 Diabetes?
Early signs of Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually and may be subtle, making them easy to overlook. Below are some common early symptoms to watch for:
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Frequent Urination and Increased Thirst: Elevated blood sugar levels lead the kidneys to excrete excess glucose, resulting in increased urination. This can cause dehydration, which heightens thirst.
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Increased Hunger: Individuals may experience persistent hunger even after eating. This occurs because, without effective insulin, the body's cells cannot use glucose for energy, prompting the sensation of hunger as the body seeks fuel.
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Unusual Fatigue: High blood sugar can lead to fatigue, as the body struggles to utilise glucose effectively for energy.
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Blurry Vision: Elevated glucose levels can affect the lenses in the eyes, leading to swelling and temporary vision changes.
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Slow-Healing Wounds or Frequent Infections: High blood sugar can impair circulation and the immune system, making it harder for the body to heal cuts, bruises, or infections.
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Darkened Skin Patches: This is known as acanthosis nigricans, dark patches, often found around the neck, armpits, or groin, can signal insulin resistance and the potential onset of Type 2 diabetes.
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Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet: Persistently high blood sugar can damage nerves over time, causing sensations like tingling, numbness, or pain in the extremities. This condition is referred to as diabetic neuropathy.
What is the role of diet in Diabetes management?
Diet plays a critical role in diabetes management, influencing blood sugar control, weight management, and overall health. Here are some key aspects of how diet impacts diabetes:
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Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial for overall health, and diet plays a key role in this process. Carbohydrates, particularly simple ones, can cause significant spikes in blood sugar when consumed. Therefore, it’s advisable to limit carbohydrate intake, as these spikes can lead to energy crashes and long-term health issues. Instead, opting for a diet low in carbohydrates can help promote more stable energy levels and improve blood sugar management.
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Weight Management and Healthy Diet: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing Type 2 diabetes. A whole food low carb diet that includes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and protein can help achieve and sustain weight loss, improving insulin sensitivity.
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Reduced Risk of Complications: Proper nutrition can lower the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as cardiovascular disease.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at info@controldtx.com. If you would like to learn more about World Diabetes Day, please visit the WDD website linked here.
