What is Diabetes?
Diabetesis a metabolic disease in which blood sugar levels cannot be controlled due to problems in the body's insulin production or the effect of insulin. This disease can lead to serious health problems in the long term. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, stroke and vision loss. Therefore, diabetes management is extremely important in terms of improving the quality of life of individuals and reducing the negative effects of the disease.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The most common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Frequent urination: High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to excrete excess sugar, which leads to frequent urination.
- Excessive thirst: The body increases its need for water to compensate for lost fluids.
- Extreme hunger: When blood sugar levels are high, cells do not receive enough energy, leading to a constant feeling of hunger.
- Tiredness: Lack of energy creates a constant feeling of tiredness.
- Blurred vision: High blood sugar can cause the lens of the eye to change shape, leading to vision problems.
Types of Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: It is a disease that usually begins in childhood and adolescence and is characterized by the body stopping the production of insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This more common type usually occurs in adults and occurs when insulin becomes ineffective. Obesity and physical inactivity are important factors in the development of this type of diabetes.
Diabetes Management and Treatment Methods
In the management of diabetes lifestyle changes, medical treatment ve patient education is of great importance. The steps that can be followed in this process are as follows:
1. Lifestyle Changes
The first step in controlling diabetes is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. The diet plan should include foods with a low glycemic index. Regular exercise also helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity.
2. Medical Treatment
Among the main drugs used in the treatment of diabetes are oral antidiabetic medications ve insulin These treatment methods are determined by the doctor according to the needs of the patient. Insulin treatment is usually applied to patients with Type 1 diabetes, but can also be used in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
3. Education and Awareness
Education in diabetes management allows patients to be informed about their own health conditions. In this context, educational meetings are held at regular intervals. In these meetings, patients learn more about their diseases and access the necessary information for their treatment processes.
Complications of Diabetes
If left uncontrolled, diabetes can cause serious health problems. These complications include:
- Heart diseases: Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Kidney failure: In the long term, it leads to deterioration of kidney functions.
- Nerve Damage: High blood sugar can cause nerve damage.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels in the eyes can lead to vision loss.
- Diabetic Foot Sores: Nerve damage and reduced blood flow can lead to foot ulcers.
Strategies for Coping with Diabetes
To help manage diabetes, it may be helpful to implement the following strategies:
- Regular Checks: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is a critical factor in adherence to treatment.
- Stress Management: Stress can negatively affect blood sugar levels. Techniques such as meditation and yoga can be used.
- Support Groups: Meeting with others who are experiencing similar issues can provide emotional support.
Diabetes is a disease that can be controlled with careful management. Therefore, it is very important for patients to educate themselves and review their lifestyles.
