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Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a group of diseases where high blood sugar levels result from either insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. The classic symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger.
There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and Gestational diabetes. Other forms of diabetes include congenital diabetes, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, steroid diabetes, and various forms of monogenic diabetes.
Managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes has become easier with modern treatments and medications, allowing diabetics to live almost normal lives. However, diabetes impacts not just health but also relationships, work, emotions, and hobbies.
Diabetes can lead to depressive illness. The lifestyle changes required—such as taking insulin injections, monitoring blood sugar levels, and modifying diet—can make people feel like they’ve lost control over their lives, leading to depression or anger.
Family dynamics can also be affected. For managing diabetes well, a holistic approach is crucial, and family members might need to make some sacrifices to support this. Diabetes can also affect work. For those with type 1 diabetes, certain professions might be incompatible with their condition. However, with proper management, most people can perform their jobs as well as their non-diabetic counterparts.
In sports, diabetics can still achieve high levels. Exercise is often recommended to help manage diabetes, though it can sometimes cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Though diabetes is a serious illness without a cure, proper management allows for a nearly normal life. Understanding and discipline are key to living well with the disease.
Understanding diabetes is essential for effective management. Diabetes can lead to complications like blindness, kidney damage, nerve damage, heart disease, and diabetic foot.
The main goal in treating diabetes is maintaining blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and monitoring blood sugar levels. Consulting a doctor is important to understand your condition and receive recommendations on diet and exercise.
Regularly checking your blood glucose levels with a glucose meter is crucial. Sometimes, diet and exercise may not be enough, and medication or insulin might be necessary.
With discipline and time, managing diabetes becomes easier, allowing for a healthy, normal life.