Diabetes (Sugar in the blood)
It is a chronic disease that is characterized by having excess sugar in the blood and that, despite this, is a not sweet pathology that affects millions of people in the world.
Diabetes is caused when the body has metabolic problems, and because it is unable to properly store a type of sugar called glucose, it accumulates in the blood. This happens because the body makes low levels of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that is responsible for keeping sugar levels within normal ranges.
Exams
To establish the diagnosis of diabetes, a person must have very high glycemic values in the blood. These levels through routine checkups that are done annually or when a person is going to enter a job.
This study is performed through the analysis of a blood sample from the patient. Similarly, the doctor should take into account within the clinical history if other symptoms associated with the disease are present.
There is another study called a glucose tolerance test that is done orally.
The patient must be fasting and will be asked to ingest a solution containing glucose, before this, a blood sample will be taken and then every 30 or 60 minutes after having ingested the liquid. This exam can take up to three hours.
Glucose can also be administered intravenously for this test, however this form is less common.
If the patient does not control his blood sugar levels, he can develop other pathologies associated with this disease such as eye problems or even loss of vision.
Process
To understand this pathology, it is very important to know the process by which the body breaks down food to convert it into energy. First, glucose enters the bloodstream and the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that must transport it from the blood to the muscles and liver cells to be used for energy.
People with diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their cells do not respond normally to it, which results in glucose not being able to move into the cells to be converted into energy and, therefore, it remains accumulated in the blood.
Type I diabetes: It is diagnosed at any age but is most common in children, adolescents, and young adults. The pancreas of these people does not produce insulin, therefore these patients must inject this hormone daily.
Type II diabetes: It is the most common form of this disease. In this case, the body does produce insulin, but at very low levels that cannot be used.
Gestational diabetes: It is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, so it is considered an occasional disease. Usually the woman recovers her normal state after delivery.
Other data
People with diabetes must take special care of their feet to prevent gangrene from forming, also known as diabetic foot. The foot of diabetic patients is very sensitive or vulnerable, therefore, they should protect themselves with footwear, do not go barefoot, or wear very tight shoes or high heels.
To control diabetes, three basic measures are needed, having a balanced diet, practicing physical exercise on a regular basis and receiving the appropriate medication.
The drugs can be injectable or administered orally. If you want to prevent the onset of type II diabetes, you should avoid being overweight and sedentary. Type I diabetes is not preventable. To avoid complications you have to maintain constant medical control, monitor blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Symptoms
Weightloss.
Fatigue.
Increased need to eat.
Loss of visual acuity.
Excessive thirst.
Increased urination
Irritability or mood swings.
Vomiting and nausea
Numbness of hands and feet.
Wounds that do not heal.
It is important to acquire healthy habits.