Diabetes is a severe and progressive disease characterized by hyperglycemia, and in the long term, by the development of serious complications, which can ultimately shorten life expectancy; it’s a potential silent killer!
In the case of diabetes, there is a dysfunction in the process of transporting glucose (sugar) to the cells of our body. Either the body no longer produces sufficient insulin, or the cells of the body no longer react enough to the insulin. As a result, glucose does not move in cells, and the amount of sugar that remains in the blood increases.
It is an abnormal and permanent rise in blood sugar levels. Contrary to popular belief, diabetes is not only due to a lack of insulin. There are different kinds of diabetes.
Two main types of diabetes:
There are different types of diabetes mellitus
1. Insulin-dependent diabetes or type I diabetes
The pancreas no longer produces insulin—the blood sugar level increases. The extreme reduction in insulin secretion ultimately requires treatment with insulin injections. Its symptoms come on suddenly, so the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can be made quickly.
Symptoms:
Urinate often, sudden weight loss despite a good appetite, permanent thirst, and perpetual hunger.
2. Non-insulin dependent diabetes or type II diabetes
This type is more common than type I diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, insulin is not produced in sufficient quantity to meet needs. This form of diabetes develops gradually, and the disadvantages are not felt immediately. As a result, the diagnosis often comes very late, when complications already appear.
Symptoms:
Complaints of fatigue, poor eyesight, a feeling of dry mouth, frequently urinating, being more hungry or thirsty, or having tingling in the feet, poorly healing or itchy infections of the genitals.
Treatment
- In type 1 diabetes, the treatment consists of injecting a dose of insulin daily and before each meal, and this throughout the patient’s life. This dose can be injected by injection or by a pump.
- The objective of treating type 2 diabetes is to fight the progression of the disease itself and to prevent the development of chronic complications by achieving and maintaining good metabolic control.
Tips for people with type 1 diabetes:
If your blood sugar is above 16.7 mmol / L and you’re not feeling well, measure your ketones in your blood or urine.
If their level is high, any vigorous activity should be postponed, and hyperglycemia should be treated as taught by the doctor.
If the ketone level is normal and you feel good, there is no reason to postpone physical activity.
Tips for people with type 2 diabetes:
It is usually not necessary to postpone the exercise session, as long as you feel good.
If your blood sugar is above 16.7 mmol / L, it is crucial to stay hydrated and watch for signs and symptoms such as increased thirst, nausea, severe fatigue, blurred vision, or headache.
How to properly monitor your blood sugar?
To live well with diabetes, it is essential to control your blood sugar regularly, that is to say, the blood sugar level. This self-control (practiced by the person with diabetes himself) is the only way to react quickly if necessary, to avoid serious complications.
Know the ominous signs, and don’t hesitate to consult!
The best way to control your diabetes is to adopt a diet with a low glycemic index. If diabetes remains silent for a long time, some signs should alert. Recognizing them well allows you to react quickly and avoid complications.