DIABETES

Tom: Hey Cherry, do you know what diabetes means? Cherry: Sure, Tom. Diabetes is a chronic condition where your body can't produce enough insulin or can't use the insulin it makes. It can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. Tom learned that there are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. He explained to Cherry that Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to stop producing insulin. Without insulin, the body can’t use the sugar from food for energy, so people with Type 1 Diabetes need to take insulin injections to stay healthy. Cherry nodded in understanding and then asked what Type 2 Diabetes was. Tom explained that unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by the body's inability to properly use insulin. People with Type 2 Diabetes need to take medication, exercise, and watch their diet to stay healthy. SYMPTOMS Tom: Hey Cherry, I'm feeling really tired lately. I never seem to have enough energy to do anything. Cherry: That doesn't sound good. Do you think you might have diabetes? Tom: Maybe. What are the symptoms? Cherry: Well, some common symptoms are increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and extreme hunger. Tom: Hmm, I have been going to the bathroom a lot more lately... Cherry: It might be a good idea to get checked out by a doctor just to be sure. Tom and Jerry were out for a walk one day when they came across a store selling sugary treats. Tom, being the glutton he is, decided to indulge and grabbed a few candy bars. Jerry, being the health-conscious mouse he is, knew that this would not be good for Tom's health, so he tried to get him to put them back. Tom refused and continued to eat the candy bars, ignoring Jerry's warnings. After a few weeks, Tom started to feel unwell and went to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed him with diabetes and told him that he must stop eating unhealthy foods. Tom was devastated but Jerry was there to help. He told Tom that he needed to start eating more vegetables and fruits, as well as exercising regularly. Tom followed Jerry's advice and, eventually, his diabetes improved. Thanks to Jerry's help, Tom now knows what he needs to do in order to keep his diabetes under control. He's also learned important lesson about the importance of looking after his health. DIABETES Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the body is unable to properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells use sugar (glucose) for energy. When there is not enough insulin or the insulin is not used properly, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used by the cells. TYPES OF DIABETES 1. Type 1 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. It is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile diabetes. 2. Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. It is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. 3. Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. It is caused by hormonal changes in the body and can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 4. Prediabetes: This condition is caused by high levels of glucose in the blood and is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but it can be managed by making lifestyle changes. 5. Other Specific Types of Diabetes: There are other types of diabetes that are caused by genetic defects, diseases of the pancreas, drugs, or even from infections. Over time, this can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss. SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES . Frequent urination . Excessive thirst . Unusual tiredness . Unexplained weight loss . Blurred vision . Slow-healing sores . Unusual vaginal, skin, or bladder infections . Fruity breath odor . Swelling of the feet or ankles 10. Numbness or tingling in the feet or toes DIABETES HEALTH ISSUES 1. High Blood Sugar: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels, kidneys, and nerves, leading to serious medical conditions. 2. Heart Disease: People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease and have a higher risk of stroke than people without diabetes. 3. Neuropathy: People with diabetes may develop nerve damage, which can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet. 4. Kidney Damage: Diabetes can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure. 5. Foot Complications: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing foot-related problems, such as ulcers and infections. 6. Eye Complications: Diabetes can lead to vision loss due to damage to the blood vessels in the eye. 7. Skin Complications: People with diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing skin complications, such as bacterial and fungal infections. MAIN REASON FOR DIABETES OCCURRING: The main reason for diabetes occurring is due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Genetics may play a role in how your body processes sugar, while lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and weight can affect your body's ability to use or produce insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Other risk factors for diabetes include age, family history, and ethnicity. DIABETES ISN'T CURABLE: No, diabetes is not curable. However, it can be managed and controlled through lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medications as prescribed. There are also a number of treatments and therapies available to help people with diabetes manage their condition. HOW TO CONTROL DIABETES 1. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced and healthy diet is one of the most important steps to take in managing diabetes. Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help keep blood sugar levels stable. 2. Exercise regularly: Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels and can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, including both aerobic and strength-training exercises. 3. Monitor your blood sugar levels: Monitoring your blood sugar levels is an important part of managing diabetes. Check your levels regularly to make sure they stay within a healthy range. 4. Take your medications as prescribed: Taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor is an important part of managing diabetes. Follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure that your medications are working properly. 5. Get regular checkups: Regular checkups with your doctor can help you stay on top of your diabetes. Your doctor can help you monitor your blood sugar levels and make any necessary adjustments to your medications or lifestyle. DIABETES PATIENT DIET CHART PLAN 1. Breakfast: Start your day with a high-fiber breakfast, such as oatmeal, whole grain toast with nut butter, or a smoothie made with fruit and low-fat yogurt. 2. Lunch: Have a balanced meal, such as a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread with a side of leafy greens and fresh fruit. 3. Snack: Snack on a handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, or a low-fat yogurt. 4. Dinner: Enjoy a balanced meal, such as grilled fish with a side of quinoa and steamed vegetables. 5. Dessert: Choose a healthier alternative to processed foods, such as a fruit-based dessert or a few squares of dark chocolate. 6. Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.