Diabetes

Description of Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to impaired insulin production or utilization. Types include type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and others, each with distinct causes and management. Effective control involves lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring to prevent complications.

Key Points on Diabetes

• Definition: Chronic condition with high blood sugar due to impaired insulin function.
• Types:

1. Type 1: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells.
2. Type 2: Insulin resistance or insufficient production, often lifestyle-related.
3. Gestational: Occurs during pregnancy, resolves postpartum but raises future risk.
4. Others: Monogenic diabetes, secondary diabetes due to other conditions.

• Symptoms: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, unintended weight loss, and blurred vision.
• Diagnosis: Tests like fasting glucose, HbA1c, OGTT, and random glucose levels.
• Treatment:

1. Lifestyle: Balanced diet, exercise, weight management.
2. Medications: Insulin, metformin, GLP-1 agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors.
3. Monitoring: Blood sugar self-monitoring and regular screenings for complications.

• Prevention: Healthy lifestyle, managing prediabetes, prenatal care for gestational diabetes.
• Complications: Cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, neuropathy, retinopathy, and foot problems.