Diabetes is a condition where the blood glucose or blood sugar level is too high. The diseases develop when the body is unable to produce enough or any insulin, leading to excess sugar in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and work by getting glucose from the blood to the cells where it’s turned to energy. Therefore, if there is no insulin, it means that glucose will stay in the blood and is excreted in the urine. 

Eventually, the excess sugar in the blood will cause various complications including eye, kidney, heart, nerve, blood vessels and kidney problems. However, it is imperative to note that there are different types of diabetes, but the most common are type 1, type 2, and gestation diabetes.

3 Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 also called insulin-dependent diabetes is the most severe for diabetes. In some cases, you will hear people calling it “juvenile” diabetes because it usually develops in children and teenagers. But it can also develop in adults. The cause of diabetes 1 is the body’s immune system attacks and destroys part pancreas. This is after mistaking insulin-producing cells s foreigners. In addition, the patient must always take insulin injections.

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common is type 2 diabetes also called non-insulin dependent diabetes. It is also called ‘adult onset’ diabetes because it usually develops after age 35. However, today we have many young people below 35 years developing the condition. If you have type 2 diabetes, it simply means that your body is not making enough or using insulin well. It is common with people that are overweight and less active.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women and goes away after the baby is born. It is caused by hormones produced by placenta which are resistant to insulin. However, testing positive for this type of diabetes can be used as a warning signal that you are a candidate of type 2 later in life. Therefore, take more tests after birth.

Symptoms of diabetes

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have similar warning signs. Here are some of the main symptoms of the two diabetes.

• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Irritability
• Extreme hunger
• Increased thirst

Risk Factors for Diabetes

There are a number of factors that increase the risks of developing diabetes. However, it is important to mention that the cause of diabetes remains unknown. But lifestyles are one of the biggest risk factors. Here are the major risk factors:

• One of the biggest things contributor to diabetes is overweight weight.
• Family History. If your relatives have diabetic issues, then you are at risk of developing diabetes.
• The risk of developing diabetes increase as you advance in age
• High blood pressure. Having blood pressure can be a risk of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Complications

There are many health complications associated with diabetes. So the severity of the complication depends on how long you have taken to have the condition diagnosed and the control measures. Here are some of the main health complications:

• Cardiovascular disease risk increases with diabetes.
• Nerve damage
• Kidney damage
• Eye Damage
• Foot damage
• Skin condition
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Depression

Best Prevention for Diabetes

Apart from Type 1 diabetes that you can’t treat, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes can be prevented. Here are the best prevention measures:

• Eat healthy food that has lower fat and calories and lots of fiber. Therefore, you need a lot of veggies.
• Get more active by involving yourself in physical activities
• Lose excess weight. So if you are overweight, shed off some extra pounds to maintain a healthy weight.

Diabetes Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes, but the condition can be maintained. Two things can help you deal with diabetes. Eating healthy is one of the best ways to maintain all types of diabetes. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. The second thing should be plenty of physical activities. Participate in regular aerobic exercise helps to lower sugar in your blood by moving it to the cells to provide energy. But have your doctor OK to the diet and exercises.

Diabetes Prevalence in Australia?

According to a National Health Survey done by the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2014-15, there were about 1.2 million Australian (about 6% of Aussie) above 18 years had diabetes. The report also shows that about 85% of the diabetic patients had type 2 diabetes while 13.5% had type 1 diabetes. The statistics also show that 6% of the women in Australia were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The number must have risen in the last few years by looking at the trends.

If you need help to manage any diabetes, don’t hesitate to calls. At Kennedy Healthcare, we are specialists in diabetes and other lifestyle conditions management. We are here to help you manage the condition and start live a normal life.