
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes, also known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease in which the body has problems producing or using insulin, and blood sugar levels cannot be controlled. This can lead to various health problems in the long term. Early diagnosis and management of diabetes greatly affects the quality of life of individuals.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes usually develop insidiously. For this reason, many people may not be aware of the disease. Below are the most common symptoms of diabetes:
- Excessive Thirst: The body seeks more water to balance high blood sugar levels.
- Frequent Urination: The body urinates more frequently to flush out excess sugar.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: The body begins to use fat and muscle tissue to produce energy.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling lack of energy is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes.
- Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can cause the lens of the eye to swell, leading to blurry vision.
It is important for individuals who experience one or more of these symptoms to consult a specialist physician without delay.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes has several types that occur through different mechanisms. These include:
- Type 1 Diabetes: It is a type of diabetes characterized by a deficiency of the insulin hormone, which usually begins in childhood or adolescence. These patients must receive insulin treatment for life.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This more common type is associated with insulin resistance. It is usually seen in adults, but is also frequently encountered in young people due to obesity.
- Gestational Diabetes: It is a temporary type of diabetes that develops due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Although it usually disappears after birth, it carries the risk of Type 2 diabetes in the future.
Treatment of Diabetes
The main goal in diabetes treatment is, controlling blood sugar levels and to stop the progression of the disease. Individual treatment plans are very important in this process. Insulin treatment is mandatory for patients with type 1 diabetes. In patients with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes are the primary treatment method.
These changes include:
- Healthy eating: A balanced and healthy diet helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity increases the effect of insulin and helps control blood sugar levels.
- Medication: If necessary, the medication recommended by your doctor should be added.
Management and Monitoring of Diabetes
Managing diabetes requires discipline and determination. Patients should pay attention to the following points:
- Recognizing the Symptoms: Recognizing signs of disease is critical for early intervention.
- Balanced Diet: Creating a healthy eating plan is essential for blood sugar control.
- Regular Checks: Regular check-ups should be performed in accordance with the instructions of specialist physicians.
It is possible to protect yourself from long-term complications of diabetes by complying with the treatment process. If you have any doubts about diabetes or want to have regular check-ups, do not hesitate to consult a specialist.