Cells in the muscles, brain, and tissues require glucose as a source of energy. Diabetic patients, however, have elevated blood sugar levels because of the insufficient insulin production which facilitates glucose into cells or its improper use. If chronic elevated blood sugar is present and untreated, it can result in serious health complications.
Diabetes Types:

Diabetes type 1:

The body’s cells that produce insulin are attacked by its own defense mechanism through an autoimmune disease leading to little or no insulin production. While it may develop at any point in one’s life, this type usually first appears during childhood or teenage years. Individuals will require insulin treatment throughout their lifetime.

Diabetes Type 2:

The most common form is diabetes which is characterized by an insulin inefficiency and is often associated with insulin resistance. It is more common to find people suffering from type 2 diabetes aged over 40 but it can happen in any age group. As there’s an increasing rate of childhood and adolescent obesity, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common even in children.

Pre-diabetes:

This is a condition where blood sugar levels tend to be raised but not enough to warrant a type 2 classification. If prediabetes is not treated, it can advance into type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes:

This refers to a kind of diabetes that is transient in nature and develops during pregnancy. The mother and the child can both be at a risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. In most cases, gestational diabetes resolves itself after the birth of the baby.

Diabetes symptoms include:

Depending on the type of diabetes and how high the blood sugar goes, different symptoms can be seen. Type 1 diabetes symptoms usually shows up suddenly and are acute while type 2 diabetes symptoms are usually not pronounced in the initial stages and takes time to develop. The following are common patient complaints:

Increased desire to drink water

Polydipsia, that is the great frequency of urination

Appetite Loss

Presence of ketones in the urine more commonly seen in type 1 diabetes patients

Weakness, fatigue

Mood swings or irritability

Blurred vision

Wounds taking a long time to heal

Recurring infections of the skin, gums, or vagina

When to Consult a Physician:

If you or your child have any of the symptoms described above, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for evaluation and diagnosis.

If you have babied diabetes already, these patients must regularly meet the healthcare provider to monitor blood glucose levels and appropriate treatment accordingly.

Diabetes Reversible vs. Chronic:

Chronic Illnesses: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions with lifelong management requirements.

Conditions That Can Be Reverted:

Pre-diabetes: The progression of type 2 diabetes from pre-diabetes can be arrested or delayed by lifestyle alterations.

Gestational diabetes usually resolves itself after delivery but it does increase the risk of diabetes type 2 in the future.

Conclusion: Diabetes is indeed a chronic disease; however, with early diagnosis, strict treatment and a change in lifestyle, diabetics can live a normal life. Lifestyle modifications, restrictions and medications combined with the correct amount of medical supervision go a long way in avoiding complications and maintaining a good health status.