In today’s world, many people are realizing that they need to educate themselves about the reality of the disease. In addition to gaining basic knowledge about the conditions to which they may be susceptible, individuals must develop prevention strategies that can empower them to lead profoundly healthy lives. One condition that more and more people are striving to learn more about is diabetes. Learn more about this condition and some of its serious results, including diabetic coma, by reviewing the information below:

SO… WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person’s blood sugar (blood glucose) level is too high. Glucose in the blood is the body’s main source of energy and is found in the food we eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the body’s pancreas, allows glucose from food to enter our cells. The food is then used for energy. If the body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it effectively, glucose stays in the blood and never reaches the cells. In some cases, people refer to diabetes as “borderline diabetes” or “a touch of sugar.” These sentences indicate that the individual does not actually have diabetes or is dealing with a less critical illness. However, each and every case must be recognized, evaluated and monitored.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIABETES?

The three most common types of diabetes include type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

DIABETES TYPE 1

People who have type 1 diabetes find that their bodies don’t make insulin. Instead, their immune systems attack and destroy the pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production. This form of diabetes is usually diagnosed in young adults and children. However, it can appear at any stage of life. People with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin every day to live.

TYPE 2 DIABETES

People battling type 2 diabetes find that their bodies don’t make or use insulin effectively. People can get this form of diabetes at any stage of life, including childhood. However, the condition is more common among older and middle-aged people. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES

gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes appears in some women during pregnancy. Generally, this form of diabetes ends after the baby is born. However, if you have gestational diabetes, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. In some cases, the form of diabetes that is diagnosed during a woman’s pregnancy is type 2.

OTHER FORMS OF DIABETES

A less common form of diabetes is monogenic diabetes. This is a form of diabetes that people inherit. Another less common form of diabetes is cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

IS DIABETES COMMON?

In 2015, 30.3 million Americans had diabetes. This is 9.4% of the population. More than 1 in 4 of these people did not know they were dealing with the condition. Diabetes affects 1 in 4 people over the age of 65. About 90-95% of adults with diabetes have type 2.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

There are multiple symptoms that can indicate that a person is struggling with diabetes. Some of them include:

• Increased urination and thirst

• Tired

• Increased hunger

• Numbness in the hands or feet

• Blurry vision

• Unexplained weight loss

• Sores that do not heal

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

Type 2 diabetes can be caused by a wide range of factors, including genes and lifestyle. Some considerations:

OBESITY, OVERWEIGHT AND PHYSICAL INACTIVITY

If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and are currently overweight or obese, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. In some cases, carrying excess weight can cause insulin resistance. Also, the location of body fat is important. Specifically, excess fat in the abdominal region is linked to blood vessel disease, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. You can use BMI charts to determine if your current weight is increasing your susceptibility to this condition.

INSULIN RESISTANCE

Type 2 diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance. This is a condition in which the fat cells, liver, and muscles do not use insulin effectively. As a consequence of this deficiency in the body, the body requires more insulin to ensure that glucose can enter the cells. Initially, the individual’s pancreas will create more insulin to compensate for the additional demands. Over time, the person’s pancreas will not produce enough insulin. This, in turn, causes your blood glucose levels to rise.

GENES AND FAMILY HISTORY

Unfortunately, there are some genes that can make a person more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes. The condition tends to run in families. Additionally, it occurs most often within the following racial/ethnic communities:

• Afro-American

• American Indians

• Alaskan Natives

• Hispanic/Latino

• Asian Americans

• Pacific Islanders

• Native Hawaiians

Also keep in mind that an individual’s genes may increase their susceptibility to type 2 diabetes by increasing their risk of becoming overweight or obese.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE DIABETES?

Over time, people who have too much glucose in their blood can begin to experience health complications. Some of them include:

• Career

• Heart disease

• Foot problems

• Eye problems

• Kidney disease

• Nerve damage

• Dental disease

DIABETIC COMA

Another health problem that an individual may experience as a result of diabetes is diabetic coma. This type of coma is a state of unconsciousness that results from hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).

There are many symptoms that can indicate that a person is experiencing this type of coma. Symptoms of people with hyperglycemia include:

• Belly bread

• Tiredness

• Increased urination

• Difficulty breathing

• Drowsiness

• Weak pulse

• Increased thirst

• Walking unsteadily

• Dry mouth

• Fast heart rate

• Hunger

• Fruity breath odor

Symptoms of people with hypoglycemia include:

• Sweatshirt

• Soft spot

• Anxiety

• Tiredness

• tremors

• Fast breathing

• Nausea

• Confusion

• Nervousness

• Dizziness

• Communication problems

• Dizziness

• Hunger

Other risk factors include:

• trauma

• Surgery

• Disease

• Poor management of diabetes

• Use of illegal substances

• Insulin supply problems

• Skipping insulin doses

• Drinking alcohol

TREATMENT

diabetic coma insulin injection

When people go into a diabetic coma, they require immediate treatment. If there is a delay in treatment, the person could suffer death or brain damage.

If the individual’s blood sugar level was too high, treatment will include:

• IV fluids

• insulin

• Potassium, sodium and phosphate supplements

If the individual’s blood sugar level is too low, treatment will include:

• 50% dextrose solution

• IV fluids

• Glucagon (a hormone that increases a person’s blood sugar level)

PREVENTION

There are multiple strategies that can be implemented to reduce an individual’s susceptibility to diabetic coma. Some of them include:

• Check and record your blood sugar level according to the times recommended by the designated medical professional

• Know the symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels

• Learn about foods that affect your blood sugar levels and design a personalized meal plan that promotes blood sugar balance

• Do not skip meals

CONCLUSION

In today’s world, millions of people struggle with diabetes. To make sure you can avoid the condition or treat it properly, it’s important to learn as much as possible. Review the information outlined above so you can retain a clear and concise understanding of what this condition is and how it works in the body. Also, please share this information on social media so more people can become aware of the role that diabetes can play in their lives or that of a loved one.