Diabetes treatment and understanding its causes can be a complicated process for the average Joe. Fortunately, effectively managing Diabetes can be simple with proper understanding of how Diabetes work on a Diabetic person. To date, there is no known official cure for diabetes, despite many articles claiming to be able to cure it completely. This puts a lot of hopes off. But, we can reverse Diabetes and reduce the chances of future medical complications linked to this disease.
That being said, this article is not medical advice. Please pay a visit to your doctor for medical consultation before proceeding with any information gathered on this blog or elsewhere.
Understanding Diabetes
First, we need to understand Diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading health conditions which affect many people nowadays. It is one of the notable chronic conditions that could last a lifetime. It happens when a person’s body is no longer able to produce enough insulin that is required by the body to function well. It is known that insulin in the human body is needed in order to move the glucose to the body’s cells.
Most of the time, diabetes happens to a certain person due to food choices and lifestyle factors. The food that people constantly eat will be the source of the simple sugar or glucose inside the body, and which then will be used as a source of energy for the human cells. However, when the body is no longer capable of producing enough insulin, there is a great risk for the glucose to stay in the blood, hence; it becomes the reason for a person to develop such health problems.
Diabetes Classifications
Diabetes is classified into three types; the Type 1 diabetes, the Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. According to research, there are over 10% of the people around the world who are already affected by the said condition.
Oftentimes, Type 1 diabetes occurs when a person’s pancreas is not capable of producing insulin. Hence, a person may require having an insulin injection as medication. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in the adults, and in some cases, to some children. Another less common kind of diabetes is gestational, which is a temporary condition that occurs mostly during pregnancy.
Debunking Myths about Diabetes
While others believed that diabetes is not a major health problem, in some places, it is the leading reason why people are diagnosed with heart disease. It was even noted as the leading cause of death in some places around the world. Research has proven that diabetes is also the leading cause of blindness and kidney problems among adults.
It is also a myth that older adults will most likely develop such condition compared to the younger ones. When diabetes is left untreated, some patients may undergo amputations due to some circulatory problems that are triggered by the said condition. Further, men are also known to experience erectile dysfunction, at some point, when condition gets worse.
What Causes a Person to be Diabetic?
While it is believed that diabetes is a condition triggered by lifestyle practices, it is also known that such condition may also happen due to some genetic factors and or, when a person has a weak immune system.
Whenever the immune system is no longer in its best state, there is a tendency for the immune system itself to attack the insulin-producing cells. Thus, this may directly result in poor insulin production or the body’s insulin resistance.
Another identified cause of diabetes is due to obesity. It is believed that there are about 80% of the population in the world who are known for having such health problem due to becoming overweight. Meanwhile, apart from genetic factors, environmental factors also play a vital role for a person to become diabetic. Whenever a person practices an unhealthy lifestyle, there is a great chance for him to develop the said condition.
Other than being obese, some other factors also include high cholesterol, HIV infection, sleep apnea, polycystic ovarian syndrome, high blood pressure, damage to a person’s blood vessels, and being 40 years old or older.
When a person is also exposed to certain medications for a long period of time, then most likely, he or she is prone to developing diabetes in the long run. When left untreated, this condition may greatly affect the person’s way of life.
As much as possible, people who are already prone to having such health condition are encouraged to engage in a healthier lifestyle. Working in the office for almost a day, and or, practicing a sedentary lifestyle will most likely lead you to develop diabetes.
Meanwhile, while gestational diabetes is known to be “not so common” and rare, such condition will most likely develop due to family history since genes play an important role in this kind of disorder. Other reasons for a person to become diabetic also include pancreatic problems and hormonal changes.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
Most of the time, the signs, and symptoms of diabetes happen so sudden and usually fast and increasing. Whenever left unnoticed, these symptoms may be life-threatening and may even lead to a more serious condition. Meanwhile, when a person is close to almost being diabetic, doctors are usually able to diagnose the condition really quickly.
With Type 1 diabetes, a person may experience frequent urination and thirst. At some point, he or she may also experience severe tiredness and severe weight loss at the same time. However, doctors have noticed that the severity of these symptoms also varies from one person to another.
While some symptoms may become not evident, the Type 2 diabetes symptoms may also include the loss of appetite, and or excessive food intake. Whenever you notice that these symptoms are evident, a call for a professional help must be the first move to make.
Meanwhile, Type 2 diabetes also has different symptoms. Contrary to Type 1 diabetes which is fast and increasing, Type 2 diabetes occurs gradually. In most cases, people who are having this kind of condition has uncontrolled glucose in the blood. Perhaps, some people may experience mild thirst and they may also urinate frequently.
Another sign that is evident to Type 2 diabetes is severe fatigue and he or she may also complain a blurred vision. Some women may also experience vaginal yeast infection as one of the symptoms. Meanwhile, cuts and wounds may heal rarely when you already have this Type 2 diabetes.
Some may also feel constant dizziness, mood swings, headache, leg cramps, unexplained weight loss and weight gain, and some skin infections. These are among the most common and noticeable signs and symptoms that you need to take into consideration about diabetes.
How to Diagnose Diabetes?
When signs and symptoms of diabetes are becoming noticeable, the next thing to do is to consult a doctor in order to get the proper treatments and medications. Most of the time, a person who is close to having diabetes may undergo a simple blood test. It is one of the simplest procedures in order to determine the level of sugar in a person’s blood.
The diabetic patient may be required to undergo at least 7 to 8 hours of fasting prior to the blood test. When a test is done after fasting, your HbA1C will determine if you have an elevated blood sugar level, then most likely, you are now on the early stage of the said condition.
Another diagnosis used by some professionals is called the A1C, wherein a person’s blood hemoglobin is being tested. Oftentimes, this procedure is only used for adults and pregnant women. Diabetes can also be diagnosed through random blood glucose level test. In this procedure, a person’s glucose level may be taken at any time of the day, with or without fasting and regardless of having meals or not.
Some test may also be done through an oral procedure, where the person is asked to drink a certain solution. These are among the simplest test that doctors used in order to determine the blood glucose level of a certain person.
Natural Treatments and Prevention of Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the very common health problems today which affects both men and women of all ages. Some symptoms may be evident on the early stage, while some are not. While there is no cure for diabetes yet, it is still important to take control of your blood sugar levels.
To this end, it is good to know that there are several natural treatments and home remedies that a person with diabetes may follow to help control the blood sugar. There must be a need to consult a doctor; however, you can also consider these notable tips that are effective and natural in treating elevated blood sugar levels quickly. Check this out!
1. Fenugreek
This is one of the known herbs that are proven to control a person’s blood sugar level. It is also believed that fenugreek is capable of improving a person’s blood tolerance and in return, glucose in the blood decreases. All you need to do is to include this herb in your daily diet. A teaspoon of fenugreek seeds must be placed in a glass of water overnight. On the following morning, you must drink it on your empty stomach. It is also advised to practice this remedy for a couple of months and see the positive results afterward!
2. Bitter Gourd
While it is also known as one of the favorite vegetables found in the kitchen, bitter gourd can also do wonders in treating a person’s diabetes. It is prone to control the blood sugar levels, while at the same time; it increases the ability of the pancreas to secrete insulin. Bitter gourd is also known to be best used as treatments for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. By adding it to your diet, you can certainly see good results. This can be best taken during meals, or through a bitter gourd juice that must be taken on the early morning on an empty stomach.
3. Cinnamon
It is known as one of the most favorite spices found in the kitchen; but more than that, cinnamon also has the ability to lower the sugar levels in the blood. It stimulates insulin activity inside the body; hence, blood sugar levels decrease in time. Cinnamon is also known to contain certain components which are proven to fight against diabetes. All you need to do is to mix a teaspoon of cinnamon to warm water and make sure to drink it daily. Another option that you can do is to add cinnamon to your daily beverages.
4. Tender mango leaves
This is another natural and effective remedy for diabetes. It helps regulate insulin levels, and thus, it decreases blood sugar levels quickly. All you need to do is to soak the leaves in a glass of water overnight and make sure to drink it the next morning on an empty stomach.
5. Black Berry
While commonly known as black plum, this fruit is known to control blood sugar levels and fights diabetes naturally. Its leaves, seeds, and the berries can be used as good treatments for the said condition. Research has shown that black berry has a hypoglycemic effect that reduces sugar in the blood and urine quickly.
6. Ginseng
This is another herb that is proven to fight against diabetes naturally. Ginseng has several varieties and in most cases, it is proven to decrease sugar in the blood.
7. Ivy Gourd
It is one of the natural remedies for Diabetes to consider is also commonly called as Coccinia indica. This herb is wildly found in the different continents around the world. Meanwhile, it has been used as one of the traditional treatments for diabetes in India. This herb is known to contain certain components that boost the secretion of insulin the blood.
8. Fig Leaf
It is one of the popular diabetic remedies in Spain. It has an active natural component that is proven to control blood sugar levels and is also known to be an effective treatment for diabetes.
What are the foods to avoid in Reversing Diabetes?
While natural treatments are becoming popular in the market today, it is also important to learn about the tips in reversing elevated sugar levels. Foods are among the risk factors why a person becomes diabetic. Some of these foods trigger the glucose in the blood, and may also cause inflammation inside the body. To reverse diabetes effectively, there are some foods that must be removed from a person’s diet.
1. Grains – Gluten-rich grains are known to contain a large amount of sugar and may trigger your glucose levels immediately after consumption. Hence, in order to control your condition, make sure to remove, if not minimize grain consumption from your daily diet. Avoid Corn as well.
2. Alcohol – It is known to increase sugar levels in the blood and may even lead to certain liver problems. Some doctors have proven that some of the diabetic cases were known to be triggered by alcohol consumption.
3. Refined sugars – To control your elevated blood sugar levels; make sure to eliminate refined sugars from your diets such as soda, sugary beverages, and fruit juices which are known to contain artificial sweeteners.
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