Diabetes: All You Need To Know

Posted On: February 12, 2020

Diabetes is a group of diseases that cause a high level of sugar in the blood. Diabetes has been in existence for very many years. Do you know that scientists have been documenting this condition for almost a thousand years? There is no doubt that many brilliant minds have played a major role in discovering this condition.

The first symptoms of diabetes were first reported in 1552 B.C. They were documented by one of the most successful physicians in the world. In his research, he concluded that diabetes was a mysterious disease that causes emaciation. In addition, ants were attracted to the urine of people with this condition.

It was in 150AD when another Greek doctor claimed that diabetes was simply the meltdown of flesh into urine. It is good to know that many physicians began to have a better understanding of diabetes shortly after the Greek doctor described diabetes in this way.

Have you ever heard about water testers? They are well known for diagnosing diabetes by simply tasting the urine of people suspected to have diabetes. You were diagnosed with diabetes if your urine tasted sweet. In fact, the word Mellitus emerged in this way. Mellitus means honey.

It was not until the late 1800s when American scientists developed chemical tests that could easily detect the presence of sugar in the urine. From there, physicians learned how this condition could be managed. Normally, the first treatment involved horseback riding. Such types of exercises were known to relieve excessive urination.

Around the 1800s, physicians began to realize that changing diets would help manage diabetes. Most of these doctors advised their patients to eat the meat of the animal in order to manage this condition.

One of the most popular French physicians noted during the Franco-Prussian War that his patients improved after eating rationed foods. It is good to know that this is what lead to the fad diets of the early 1900s. As for now, Elliot remains one of the best diabetes experts. He wrote a helpful book named The Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. In his book, he claims that a fasting diet combines regular exercise. This reduces the chances of getting diabetes.

Although there were numerous advances, they did not prevent people from dying. Diabetes inevitably led to premature death. Joseph Von came up with the first breakthrough that led to the treatment of diabetes by using insulin. The researcher who was based in the University of Strasbourg showed that the removal of the pancreas could initiate diabetes.

Diabetes was first treated with insulin in 1920. The treatment was done by a Canadian physician. Before trying the treatment in human, Frederick tried his theory through animal experiments. After several trials, he successfully used insulin to treat diabetic patients. That is the main reason why he was later awarded the highly regarded Nobel Prize in Medicine. He deserved even more because of his immense contribution to the world of medicine.

Let’s take a look at the causes, symptoms, types and treatment of this condition.

Types of Diabetes

There are several types of diabetes. Some of these types are more prevalent when compared to others. This is the right time to know more about the different types of diabetes.

• Type 1 diabetes – Types 1 diabetes is known to cause insulin-producing beta cells. Excess production of beta cells prevents the body from producing insulin in the required quantities. This means that your body will have problems in regulating blood glucose levels. This type of diabetes is very common in children although it can develop at any age.

Some people describe type 1 diabetes as insulin-dependent diabetes. You might be aware that type 1 diabetes causes loss of insulin.

• Type 2 diabetes – It is a metabolic disorder that is mostly associated with high blood glucose levels. The rare type of diabetes is characterized by the body being unable to metabolize glucose. This might damage the organs of the body.

People with type 2 diabetes are urged to avoid sources of dietary sugar. Do you know that you will never need long-term medication if you avoid foods with dietary sugars? That is the best thing about type 2 diabetes.

Initially, type 2 diabetes was known as non-insulin dependent. It mainly occurs in people over 40 years. For the last couple of years, we have witnessed an increase in type 2 diabetes cases in young adults and teens.

• Gestational Diabetes – As the name dictates, gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. When does this diabetes develop? It occurs in the third semester. The signs of gestational diabetes disappear after the baby is born. You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

It can be a tough task identifying gestational diabetes. You should be ready to deal with all the emotions after you have been diagnosed with this condition.

Causes of diabetes

Diabetes is caused by multiple factors. Here are some of the lifestyle factors that cause diabetes.

• Overweight – There are fewer chances of diabetes developing if you are not overweight. Usually, extra weight causes insulin resistance. It is common in people with type 2 diabetes. At times, body fat can make you diabetic. You should exercise much often to avoid being overweight.
• Insulin resistance – In most cases, diabetes starts with insulin resistance. What is insulin resistance? It is a condition where the fat cells do not use insulin well. It has been proved that indeed the body requires more insulin content. Initially, the pancreas produces a lot of insulin to keep up with high demand. When you develop diabetes, your body can’t produce enough insulin.
• Genes and family history – After intensive research, it has been discovered that there are a number of genes that increases the possibility of getting diabetes. Have you ever heard that the disease run in families more and occur more often in the following racial groups?
  • African Americans.
  • American Indians.
  • Native Hawaiians.
  • Alaska Natives.
• Medicines – There are certain medicines that alter the functioning of beta cells. These include:
  • Niacin
  • Certain types of diuretics.
  • Drugs that treat HIV.
  • Drugs used to treat pneumonia.

Symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes symptoms vary depending on the amount of blood sugar elevated. Some people may not even experience diabetes symptoms initially. We have analyzed the most common diabetes symptoms.

• Extreme hunger and thirst.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Slow-healing sores that may develop several weeks before being diagnosed with diabetes.
• Blurred vision.

When should you see a doctor?

• If you suspect you or your kid have diabetes symptoms. You should contact your doctor immediately you observe common symptoms such as fatigue. When the condition is diagnosed early enough, the sooner the treatment begins.
• If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes. You are required to follow the stipulated instructions by your doctor. This should be done until the blood sugar levels stabilize.

Treatment of diabetes

Diabetes can be treated, or let’s rather say can be well managed using the following methods.

• Weight loss – Losing weight is arguably the most reliable way to lower blood sugar levels. You should lose more than 10% of the body weight if you want to make a difference. This means that people who weigh about 200 kilograms need to lose at least 6 kilograms. In addition, you should familiarize yourself with various controlling options that include eating healthy foods.
• Healthy eating – Some people believe that there is a specific diabetes diet. That is not the case. However, it is advisable to center your diet around the following foods:
  • Fewer calories.
  • Refined food.
  • More foods with fiber.
  • Reduce the intake of food containing saturated fats.

You should consult a registered dietitian. He or she will help you put together a meal plan that fits your health goals.

• Physical activity – There is no doubt that everyone needs regular exercise. Before starting any exercise program, you should talk to your doctor. Walking, swimming and biking are some of the most loved exercise activities.
• Monitoring your blood sugar – This depends on your treatment plan. You should check if you are on insulin multiple times a day. You will only know your blood sugar level after careful monitoring. Blood sugar level should remain within your target range.

Prevention of diabetes

Here are ways to avoid getting diabetes.

• Cut sugar levels and refined products in your daily diet.
• Engage in yoga activities.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Watch portion sizes.
• Avoid sedentary behaviors.
• Optimize vitamin D levels.

Final Thoughts

You can agree with me that you have control over many factors that cause diabetes. You should not view pre-diabetes as a stepping stone to diabetes. It is good to see it as a motivator. It will be of great help more so when it comes to helping you reduce your risk.

This is the right time to eat the right foods and adopt other beneficial lifestyle behaviors. Healthy foods will promote healthy blood sugar. This will give you the best chance to avoid diabetes.