Understanding diabetes- Symptoms, treatment and future aspects
More than 460 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide. However, science is still working on finding a permanent treatment for it. Diabetes is a predefined disease in which the body becomes unable to process and break the glucose absorbed by the food. Different types of diabetes occur due to certain factors in the body. However, they all share the common diabetes symptoms of having too much glucose in the bloodstream. Without proper treatment, these problems can lead to high blood sugar levels which may affect the other parts of the body, like the heart, kidney and liver.
Diabetes is common in seniors above the age of 45. Not all cases of diabetes stem from a poor lifestyle or weight issues. In fact, few of these issues start occurring from childhood itself. The most common diabetes symptoms are type 1 and type 2. We will discuss every aspect of high blood sugar levels in detail below.
How does Insulin Resistance Develop?
People above 60 easily develop silent blood sugar problems known as insulin resistance. This condition increases the chance of developing prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiac issues.
Generally, insulin resistance occurs when normal blood glucose level increases and our body does not recognize it. The cells in our muscles, liver and body fat ignore the signals sent by the hormone insulin, which extracts the glucose out of the bloodstream and transfers it to the cells. Glucose, known as blood sugar is the major source of the energy in the body. When the cells are unable to respond to the hormone insulin, it results in the excessive collection of glucose in the bloodstream. This leads to high blood sugar levels.
How Insulin Resistance leads to Type 2 diabetes?
When our body does not respond to the hormone insulin, insulin resistance develops. To overcome it, the body starts producing more insulin. With time, the pancreas containing beta cells start to develop swelling and get worn out, all of which does not help in producing more insulin. After years, the normal glucose levels start exceeding the diabetes range. This gives rise to prediabetes and gradually it develops into full-blown type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is also referred to as juvenile diabetes. It generally occurs when the body does not produce sufficient insulin. People suffering from type 1 diabetes might get treatment during the early age of childhood. Type 1 diabetic patients are kept on daily insulin dosage administered by insulin injections or insulin pumps. However, no cure has been developed for type 1 diabetes yet. Successful monitoring of blood sugar range and keeping track of sugar level after a meal can help in avoiding serious complications.
Type 2 Diabetes
In this, the patient becomes restricted to making or using the insulin effectively. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), type 2 diabetes is one of the most occurring forms of diabetes in elders which is indirectly related to obesity.
Measuring normal sugar levels after food is important for type 2 diabetic patients. However, they may or may not require insulin intake, unlike type 1 diabetic patients. In most cases, changes in lifestyle and regular exercise can help manage the condition.
Early Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms and risk factors of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes are similar. It includes-
- Overweight
- Family history of diabetes
- History of high blood pressure
- Having a high-density lipoprotein
- Being more than 45+
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
Is a cure for Diabetes expected in the Future?
The biotech industry is striving to develop a permanent solution for treating diabetes. Biotech companies are also working to find a permanent cure. To treat the type 2 diabetic range, scientists are working to stimulate insulin production. Apart from this, certain microbes present inside our body help in reducing the disease intensity. Most companies are developing diabetes treatments, targeting microbiomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my blood glucose level high?
Normal blood glucose level increases when there is too much sugar in the bloodstream. This condition is known as hyperglycaemia. It happens when the body is not able to utilize insulin properly.
What is the normal blood sugar range for people above age 60?
It is recommended that seniors must have a blood glucose level of less than 180mg/ dL two hours after eating.
Does Emoha provide medical facilities to diabetic patients?
Emoha extends its helping hands to provide all the medical care and support to diabetic patients. Emoha helps by providing medicines, nurses, caretakers and emergency support to its seniors.
