Diabetes Education: Symptoms, Treatments, and Diet Guide 

Causes of Diabetes   

Diabetes is a long-term medical condition marked by high blood glucose levels and abnormal protein and fat metabolism. Because the pancreas is not producing enough insulin or the cells are not able to use the insulin that is being produced efficiently, blood glucose levels rise because the glucose cannot be digested in the cells. Three main forms of diabetes exist: Type 1 diabetes, in which the pancreas fails to produce insulin; Type 2 diabetes, in which body cells become resistant to the action of insulin produced; and diabetes, which develops during pregnancy, can cause certain difficulties throughout the pregnancy, and at birth and raises the risk of type 2 diabetes in the mother and obesity in the offspring.

Young adults and children are the most common age groups for type 1. It is unknown what the cause or causes are. Type 1 diabetes appears to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Despite extensive research into biological, chemical, nutritional, and behavioral causes, no single factor has been definitively proven to cause a significant number of cases. Type 2 diabetes is primarily associated with risk factors such as age, higher weight, and lack of exercise, though it also has a significant genetic component. Various dietary behaviors, including high sugar and fat intake, increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The WHO Way: Keeping Glucose Levels in Check

A person with low fasting blood glucose concentration (hypoglycemia)—below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)—will experience dizziness, sweating, palpitations, blurred vision, and other symptoms that need to be monitored. The values for normal fasting glucose concentration are between 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) and 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). When fasting blood glucose is between 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L), lifestyle changes and glycemia monitoring are advised. Hyperglycemia is a symptom of an increased risk of diabetes, the fasting glucose level is elevated. A person’s fasting blood plasma glucose (FPG) may be within normal limits if they do not have diabetes or if their diabetes is properly managed with medication that decreases glucose.

The Prediabetes Puzzle: Clues Your Body is Giving You

When blood glucose levels are increased but fall short of the threshold for diabetes, the condition is referred to as pre-diabetes. Although there are many diagnostic standards, it is generally understood to be 5.6–6.9 mmol/L for fasting plasma glucose, 5.7%–6.4% for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), or 7.8–11.0 mmol/L for 2-hour plasma glucose. 3-4 Research indicates that people with pre-diabetes may be more susceptible to cardiovascular illnesses, nephropathy, neuropathy, and other diabetes-related problems.

Discovering the Type 1 Diabetes Early Symptoms

An autoimmune loss of pancreatic β cells causes Type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition. Insulin is vital for people with type 1 diabetes to survive. The main sensitivity gene is located in the HLA region of chromosome 6 and is associated with alleles. 

Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, hypoglycemia, severe hyperglycemia, ketonemia, and insulin insufficiency that is not responsive to oral medications are among the frequent symptoms of type 1 diabetes.

How to Manage Type 1 Diabetes and Reduce the Risk of Other Diseases

A multifactorial autoimmune disease causes a severe endogenous insulin shortage by gradually destroying β-cells, posing a life-threatening threat.

Extended periods of time without treatment Heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, circulation problems, gum disease, blood vessel and nerve damage, renal failure, blindness, and foot or limb amputations are just a few of the serious health repercussions that can result from type-1 diabetes. Throughout their lives, people with type 1 diabetes need to get daily insulin injections. Two or four injections a day may be necessary for them. A well-balanced nutritious diet is also essential for them. Individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes who do not receive insulin therapy may eventually have metabolic decompensation and potentially deadly diabetic ketoacidosis.

Common Signs of Type 2 Diabetes: Are You at Risk

Increased thirst and frequent urination are common symptoms of type 2 diabetes, which increases appetite. Even with an increased appetite, people may lose weight unknowingly and suffer from tiredness and fuzzy eyesight. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet are common, as are sores that take a long time to cure and frequent infections. Darkened patches of skin, usually on the neck and armpits, can also be a sign of this illness.

Two issues are mostly responsible for type 2 diabetes:

  • Insulin-resistant cells develop in the liver, fat, and muscle tissues. The cells don’t absorb enough sugar as a result.
  • The pancreas produces insufficient insulin to maintain glucose levels within the normal range.

Complete Self-Care Plan for Type 2 Diabetes: From Diet to Exercise

Nutritious diet can help to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Living a healthy life includes the following:

  • Consuming wholesome meals. Select foods that are full of fiber and fewer in calories and fat. Emphasize on whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
  • Plan for at least two hours of moderate-to-intense cardiovascular exercise per the week, which can include running, swimming, riding a bike, or brisk walking.
  • Reducing your body weight by a little amount and maintaining it off will help you postpone the development of type 2 diabetes from prediabetes. Reducing weight by 7% to 10% can lower your chance of developing diabetes if you already have prediabetes.

How to Eat Right with Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when high glucose levels develop during pregnancy. A well-balanced diet can improve control of diabetes while pregnant.

In general, you ought to consume:

  • An abundance of fresh veggies and fruits
  • Moderate intake of healthy fats and lean proteins
  • Moderate servings of starchy vegetables like maize and peas together with whole grains like bread, cereal, pasta, and rice
  • Ingesting fewer sugar-rich items such as energy drinks and sweets.

Comprehensive Overview of Diabetic Macular Edema

If a person has diabetes-related retinal conditions, or diabetes-related retinopathy, they are able to obtain DME. Diabetes weakens and increases the likelihood of blood leaks in the blood vessels in your eyes. Additionally, it might lead to the growth of more delicate, new blood vessels in inappropriate places.

Although it can occasionally manifest in silence, DME can cause alterations in the perception of colors, reduced visual acuity (VA), metamorphopsia, and difficulties reading. 

Macular edema associated with diabetes can present with a variety of signs and symptoms, such as double or fuzzy vision, floaters, and trouble distinguishing colors. People may see scotomas, or black spots, and see straight lines as curled or distorted. under addition, seeing under glare or strong light can be difficult, and things may appear larger in one eye than the other when seen.

Important Steps for Treating Diabetic Macular Edema: Advice for Patients

Injecting needles straight into the vitreous humor of the eye, or intravitreal injections, is one of the ways medical professionals treat diabetic macular edema (DME). Aflibercept (Eylea®), Bevacizumab (Avastin®), Faricimab-svoa (VABYSMO®), and Ranibizumab (Lucentis®) are among these drugs. In addition, your healthcare professional may inject steroid implants such as fluocinolone acetonide (Iluvien®) and dexamethasone (Ozurdex®) into your eye to assist treat the condition.  

To prevent the leaking, doctors may employ laser therapy, also known as photocoagulation, to close the blood vessels in the eyes. A vitrectomy is another operation that experts may recommend. This procedure removes scar tissue and hazy vitreous fluid from the eye.

Diabetes- Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic Macular Edema

Common Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy: Recognize the Symptoms

One eye-related consequence of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, is the cause of it. Blindness may result from it. Any person with diabetes of either type has the potential to acquire the illness.

As diabetic retinopathy worsens, you may have a number of visual problems. These can include having blurry vision, fluctuating vision, noticing dark or empty patches in your field of vision, seeing spots or dark threads floating in vision (also known as “floaters”), and even losing your vision.

Treatments include

Angiography with fluorescein

After dilating the eyes, inject a dye into a vein in the arm. Capture photos as the dye moves through the blood vessels in the eyes.. The images are capable of identifying broken, leaky, or occluded blood arteries.

OCT, or optical coherence tomography

This test uses photographs to produce cross-sectional retinal images that display the retina’s thickness. This will be helpful in sorting out whether any fluid has penetrated into the retinal tissue.

Injections of these drugs, known as vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, are administered into the vitreous. They help lower the retention of fluid and stop the growth of new blood vessels. Subcutaneous anesthesia is used to administer. For 24 hours following the injection, there may be some little pain, ripping, or burning. Infection and increased intraocular pressure are examples of potential adverse effects.

Photocoagulation

This laser treatment, also known as focused laser treatment, may halt or slow down the blood and fluid leakage in the eye. Use laser burns to repair leaking blood vessel abnormalities.

Panretinal photocoagulation

The aberrant blood vessels may decrease with this treatment using lasers, commonly referred to as scatter laser treatment. The treatment uses dispersed laser burns to treat the non-macula portions of the retina. The aberrant new blood vessels shrivel and scar as a result of the burns.

Vitrectomy

Make a tiny incision in the eye during this treatment to remove scar tissue pulling on the retina and blood from the vitreous. Perform the procedure at a hospital or surgery center using either local or general anesthesia.

Diabetes- Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Neuropathy: Symptoms 

Diabetes patients may develop nerve damage. The symptoms might vary from foot discomfort and numbness to tissues with the functioning of internal organs, including the bladder and heart. Elevated blood glucose levels may also cause harm to the tiny blood arteries that supply oxygen and nourishment to the nerves.

Peripheral neuropathy can induce nerve damage that results in a loss of sensation in the feet. It can cause foot issues such sores, ulcers, and infections. Nerve degeneration can impair balance and coordination, leading to fractures and falls. Autonomic neuropathy can affect the normal functioning of organs. These organs include heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, urination, and the sense of low blood sugar.

Prevention Tips

It’s critical to maintain a well-balanced diabetes diet and be physically active in order to help minimize diabetes-related nerve damage. In addition, it’s crucial to stop smoking, restrict alcohol consumption. Must take any prescription medications—including those for diabetes—as instructed by the doctor. Thus, patients may drastically lower the chance for acquiring diabetic neuropathy by adopting these healthy behaviors into  everyday routine.

Medications that prevent seizures are used. The mild to moderate nerve discomfort that may be alleviated by tricyclic antidepressants. Amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor), and desipramine (Norpramin) are among the medications in treatment. Mouth dryness, bowel problems, weariness, and difficulty focusing are a few adverse effects. When shifting from one posture to another, such as from laying down to standing, these drugs may also make you feel lightheaded (orthostatic hypotension).

Diabetes- Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy

Complete Diabetic Diet Guide: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Healthy and Tasty: Vegetarian Recipes for Diabetics

A vegetarian diabetic diet plan can be both nutritious and delicious to manage blood sugar levels effectively. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats provide essential fiber and nutrients, helping to maintain steady glucose levels. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds, offer healthy fats and proteins that support satiety and metabolic health. Whole pulses and legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, provide excellent plant-based protein sources and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Swiss chard, spinach, and kale are examples of green leafy vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support general health. Adding a range of colorful vegetables enhances the diet’s nutrient density and variety. Including milk and milk-derived foods, such as cheese and yogurt, can help maintain the condition of bones. Considering its well-known use for potentially decreasing blood sugar, cinnamon can enhance the flavor of meals and snacks. Lastly, tender coconut water serves as a hydrating and refreshing beverage option, offering electrolytes and natural sweetness. This balanced and wholesome approach ensures a nutritious diet that supports diabetes management while embracing a vegetarian lifestyle.

Managing Diabetes: The Best Non-Vegetarian Foods to Eat

Structure a non-vegetarian diabetic diet plan to effectively manage blood sugar levels while providing essential nutrients. Including eggs in one’s diet is a flexible way to get both nutritious protein and important vitamins. Eggs can be consumed as omelets, scrambled, or boiled. Fish, especially fatty varieties like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and can help reduce inflammation.

 Lean meats, such as beef or pork, can be included in moderation, to reduce calorie intake. Skinless poultry, including chicken and turkey, is a great source of lean protein. Prepare it in numerous healthy ways, such as grilling, baking, or steaming, to retain its nutritional benefits. Seafood, like shrimp, crab, and mussels, not only adds variety but also supplies essential minerals and vitamins, including iodine and vitamin B12. This diet plan, focused on high-quality protein sources and minimal saturated fats, supports blood sugar management and overall health for individuals with diabetes.

Diabetes Nutrition: Foods to Avoid for Optimal Health

People with diabetes should avoid certain foods to manage their blood sugar levels effectively and reduce the risk of complications. Refined flour and instant cereals, which are low in fiber and high in refined carbohydrates, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Minimize refined sugar intake, as it can cause significant glucose fluctuations, especially in sweets, desserts, and many processed foods. Additionally, roots and tubers like potatoes and sweet potatoes have a high carbohydrate content that can affect blood sugar control.

 Consume fruits with a high glycemic index, like bananas, watermelons, and pineapples, in moderation to avoid quickly raising blood sugar levels. Limit sodium-rich foods, as diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Reduce intake of red meat, which is high in saturated fat, to minimize the risk of heart disease and other health issues. Carbonated beverages, often high in sugars and empty calories, can cause spikes in blood glucose levels and offer no nutritional benefit. Additionally, limit coconut consumption, as its high saturated fat content can negatively impact cardiovascular health.

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Written by Snegkha S

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