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What is diabetes
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Blood sugar disorder is a chronic metabolic disorder where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or fails to use it properly.
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Insulin is a hormone that helps convert glucose (sugar) from food into energy.
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Without proper insulin function, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels — a condition known as hyperglycemia.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and other organs. That’s why understanding what is blood sugar disorder is crucial for early diagnosis and long-term health.
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Types of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes, each with different causes and treatment approaches:
1. Type 1 Diabetes
This autoimmune condition usually begins in childhood or adolescence. The immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
People with Type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections for life.
Key features:
Sudden onset
Requires lifelong insulin
Not preventable
Accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes cases
2. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and generally develops in adults over 40,
but is increasingly seen in younger people. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin.
Key features:
Slow onset
Often preventable or manageable
Strong link to obesity and lifestyle
May not require insulin in early stages
3. Gestational Diabetes
This form occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth. However, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later.
Key features:
Detected during pregnancy
Can affect baby’s health
Requires careful monitoring
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Common Symptoms of Diabetes
Recognizing early symptoms of blood sugar disorder can lead to timely diagnosis and better control:
Frequent urination
Extreme thirst
Unexplained weight loss
Increased hunger
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Slow healing of cuts or wounds
Tingling or numbness in hands/feet
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Causes and Risk Factors
Understanding what causes blood sugar disorder can help in prevention and control:
Genetics – Family history increases risk
Overweight/Obesity – Major risk factor for Type 2
Inactivity – Less physical activity increases insulin resistance
Unhealthy Diet – High sugar and low fiber intake
High Blood Pressure or Cholesterol – Increases Type 2 risk
Age – Risk increases after age 45
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How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Doctors typically use one or more of the following tests:
Fasting Blood Glucose Test – Measures blood sugar after 8 hours of fasting
HbA1c Test – Shows average blood sugar over 3 months
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – Checks how body handles sugar over 2 hours
Random Blood Sugar Test – Can be done any time regardless of food intake
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Complications of Uncontrolled blood sugar disorder
If blood sugar remains high for long periods, diabetes can lead to:
Heart disease and stroke
Kidney damage (nephropathy)
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Eye damage (retinopathy and blindness)
Amputations (due to poor blood circulation)
Skin infections and foot ulcers
Sexual dysfunction
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Treatment and Management
Managing blood sugar disorder focuses on controlling blood sugar, preventing complications, and improving quality of life.
Medications:
Type 1: Requires insulin (injection or pump)
Type 2: May include oral medications like Metformin, or insulin in advanced stages
Lifestyle Modifications:
Balanced Diet: Rich in fiber, low in sugar and carbs
Physical Activity: 30 minutes a day can make a big difference
Weight Loss: Even a 5–10% weight loss improves insulin sensitivity
Quit Smoking & Alcohol: Reduces cardiovascular risk
Stress Reduction: Yoga, breathing exercises, and sleep management help regulate sugar
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Can Diabetes Be Prevented?
Type 1 diabetes is not preventable, but Type 2 and gestational diabetes often are. Here’s how:
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a well-balanced, low-GI diet
Exercise regularly
Get routine health checkups
Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
Avoid sugary drinks and processed food
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Now that you know what is blood sugar disorder, it’s easier to understand why early diagnosis, education, and healthy living are essential. Blood sugar disorder is manageable with the right care and lifestyle.
Whether you’re living with it or want to prevent it, knowledge is your most powerful tool.
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