Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is associated with abnormal blood glucose levels. See how to recognize and treat diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. The number of people diagnosed with this disease grows from year to year. Anyone can get sick, including children. The increase in cases is associated with the increase in obesity and the change in the lifestyle of modern people.

The causes of diabetes

The causes of diabetes depend on the type of diabetes. Environmental and genetic factors are of great importance. It is also known that people who have sick relatives are more likely to develop the disease. The more family members have diabetes, the greater the risk of developing it.

Type 1 diabetesis caused by autoimmunedamage to cells in the pancreas (the body destroys its own organs).As a result, they cannot produce insulin, and therefore blood glucose levels remain elevated. Type 1 diabetes mainly affects children and young people.

Type 2 diabetesis caused by a decrease in the tissue sensitivity to insulin, which also causes a persistent high blood sugar level.In most cases, the disease is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle: low physical activity, obesity, poor diet, and stress.

Gestational diabetes is a special type. The disease is caused by an increase in pregnancy hormones, which makes the tissues insensitive to insulin. The disease usually resolves after childbirth.

Diabetes symptoms

The first symptoms of diabetes are non-specific. You can suspect the disease if you observe in yourself:

• increased thirst,
• frequent and abundant urination (also at night),
• feeling of constant hunger,
• dry mouth
• chronic fatigue and lack of energy,
• unintentional weight loss.

In addition, other symptoms appear over time: the smell of sour apples from the mouth, deterioration of eyesight, excessive sleepiness, itchy skin, muscle pain, sensory disturbances, and recurring intimate infections.

How do you recognize diabetes?

If you develop symptoms of diabetes, you should see your GP, who will order a detailed check-up. The most important of these isthe oral glucose load test, which measures fasting blood sugar and 60 and 120 minutes after drinking a water-glucose mixture.If the concentration after two hours exceeds 200 mg/dl, diabetes is diagnosed.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus

Treatment of type 1 diabetes is based on replacing insulin deficiency by injecting it daily withan insulin pen or pump.It is also important to follow a proper diet and check your blood sugar regularly.

However, the treatment of type 2 diabetes depends on the severity of the disease and the patient’s well-being. In the first place, weight loss, physical activity and a special diabetic diet are recommended. If these actions do not work, it is necessary to start diabetes medications or insulin therapy.

Complications in diabetes

Increased sugar causes disruption to the functioning of internal organs. The most common complications of diabetes include:

• diabetic feet.
• diabetic coma,
• loss of vision, damage to the blood vessels of the eye,
• Nerve damage
• Kidney disease, kidney failure
• infarct
• stroke.

Diabetes prevention and support in case of illness

You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. To do this:

1. Take care to maintain a healthy body weight.
2. Limit the consumption of simple carbohydrates, especially sweets and white bread, as well as sweetened drinks.
3. Get moving—take a walk, bike, or swim at least 3 times a week.
4. Quit smoking!
5. Limit your consumption and, preferably, avoid highly processed foods and junk food.