Diabetes: Symptoms, Types, Causes, & Treatment

Q: How do I reduce the risk of getting diabetes if a family member is already affected?

Having a close family member affected by diabetes does put an individual at heightened risk of the condition. It is helpful to follow a healthy diet with minimal or no processed foods, avoid a sedentary lifestyle, and monitor weight to ensure that obesity is kept at bay. Go a long way in the prevention of the disease.

Q: What is the leading cause of diabetes?

The main cause of diabetes is insufficient insulin production in the body. Produced from the Pancreas, Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use Sugar (Glucose) from Carbohydrates in the food that you eat as an energy source. It also helps to keep the blood sugar level from getting too high (Hyperglycemia) or too low (Hypoglycemia).

Q: What are the few symptoms of diabetes?

They are Frequent urination Always feeling dehydrated and increased thirst I always feel hungry Tiredness Blurry Vision Slow healing of cuts and wounds Patches of dark skin Itching and yeast infections However none of these are early symptoms, they all indicate advanced diabetes and will likely require medications Diabetes is a silent disorder and one can pick it up by regular screening tests done periodically. Waiting for symptoms to occur is likely to delay the diagnosis

Q: Can diabetes be cured?

As diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar levels go out of control due to a lack of insulin production and/or defective insulin action, as of now there is no cure for diabetes, but with proper life style changes and in certain persons with medications it can be well controlled. For some patients with diabetes of short duration, once they lose a certain percentage of their weight and follow a healthy eating pattern, their diabetes may go into remission, which means they are able to maintain normal glucose levels without the need for medicines. This remission may be temporary or prolonged. All these patients require close monitoring as over time their diabetes may resurface and come back depending on their insulin reserve and deterioration of their pancreatic function.

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Diabetes: Symptoms, Types, Causes, & Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I help a family member with diabetes?

 In many cases, diet and lifestyle support are the best ways to help a loved one with diabetes. Following a diet and exercise regimen along with the patient may ensure ease of keeping up with the regimen. Ensuring that medication times are adhered to can also be very helpful.