About Diabetes

• It is a chronic condition resulting from either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or the body's inability to use insulin effectively.
• Insulin is essential for regulating blood glucose levels, and without proper insulin function, blood sugar can rise uncontrollably, a condition known as hyperglycemia.
• Uncontrolled diabetes, particularly over time, can damage various body systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Symptoms can appear suddenly.
• However, in type 2 diabetes, they may develop gradually, sometimes taking years to notice.
• Typical signs include:
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss.
• If untreated, diabetes can damage blood vessels in critical organs like the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
• It also raises the risk for severe health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and in some cases, permanent vision loss due to damaged retinal blood vessels.
• Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, resulting in ulcers and potentially amputations.

How to Prevent Diabetes?

• Adopting healthy lifestyle changes is the most effective way to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
• Recommendations for prevention include:
• Maintain a healthy weight,
• Stay physically active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily
• Follow a balanced diet low in added sugars and saturated fats and avoid tobacco use.
• Through proactive lifestyle management, individuals can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its related complications.