Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that occurs due to the pancreas's inability to produce sufficient insulin or the body's inability to effectively use the insulin produced. Deficiency in insulin production or action leads to elevated blood sugar levels and disruptions in fat and protein metabolism. Symptoms of this condition include frequent urination, especially at night, excessive thirst, frequent hunger, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and slow healing of wounds. Although diabetes is a serious health issue that affects quality of life, it can be managed with early diagnosis and regular monitoring.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that arises from the body's inability to regulate blood sugar. Common symptoms include excessive thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, and weakness.
The symptoms indicating diabetes include: ·
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Excessive thirst
- Feeling more tired and weak than usual
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itching in the genital area
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds
- Blurred vision
- Increased hunger
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that develops through different mechanisms and has various types. The most common types of diabetes in society are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
- Other Causes (medication use, hormonal disorders, etc.)
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of the insulin hormone. The immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas due to factors like viral infections, medication use, and physical or psychological stress. People with Type 1 diabetes require insulin treatment for life.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes initially occurs when the pancreas produces enough insulin, but the insulin produced cannot be used effectively by the cells. As the disease progresses, insulin production decreases. This type of diabetes can often progress for many years without symptoms.
Situations like infections, surgeries, pregnancy, stress, or weight gain can trigger the clinical manifestation of Type 2 diabetes. It is mostly seen in individuals over 40 years old.
Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy emerges with an increase in blood sugar due to hormonal changes. Although blood sugar levels usually return to normal after birth, this type of diabetes can constitute a risk for the development of Type 2 diabetes in the future.
Diabetes Treatment
The primary goal in diabetes treatment is to control blood sugar levels and prevent sudden rises and falls. This increases patients' daily quality of life and prevents the development of long-term complications related to diabetes. Diabetes is an important health issue that should not be neglected, and the treatment process requires discipline and determination.
The cornerstone of the treatment process is patient education, establishing a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Insulin therapy is mandatory for life in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Since the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin in this type of diabetes, external insulin support is provided to control blood sugar.
In the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes are initially recommended. Blood sugar levels are attempted to be managed by adjusting dietary habits and increasing physical activity. Oral medications are added to the treatment if these methods are insufficient. In some Type 2 diabetes patients, if the pancreas becomes insufficient in producing insulin, temporary or permanent insulin therapy may be required.
Recognizing the symptoms of the disease, creating a balanced diet plan, being aware of complications, learning blood sugar measurement methods, and applying this knowledge in daily life are very important for patients and their close ones. Individual treatment plans and regular follow-ups created under the guidance of doctors play a critical role in effectively managing the disease.
Important Considerations in Blood Sugar Monitoring
One of the most important steps in running an effective treatment process in diabetes is regular blood sugar monitoring. Blood sugar value, measured both in fasting and fed states, provides important information about an individual's metabolic balance. Particularly in patients with Type 2 diabetes, sudden blood sugar fluctuations can be common, so individuals need to monitor these values at certain intervals.
Today, thanks to blood sugar measurement devices, it is possible to self-monitor at home. Regular measurements with these devices greatly facilitate the monitoring of fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, and HbA1c values. Measurements taken especially before and after meals are crucial for understanding the extent to which certain foods affect blood sugar.
Gestational Diabetes and Risk Factors
This condition, which occurs during pregnancy and is called gestational diabetes, results from hormonal changes affecting the pancreas's insulin production. It is usually diagnosed with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. During this test, after measuring fasting blood sugar, a liquid containing a certain amount of glucose is consumed, and then blood sugar is measured again at specific intervals.
Gestational diabetes can have significant impacts on the health of both the mother and the baby. If not controlled, it can lead to problems like preterm birth, high birth weight, and postpartum hypoglycemia. Therefore, regular monitoring, a dietary regimen, and medical supervision are very important. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in later years compared to other women.
Why Is the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) Conducted?
OGTT is a diagnostic test used especially during pregnancy and for individuals suspected of having Type 2 diabetes. It is also applied to detect hidden diabetes in individuals with fasting blood sugar levels close to the upper limit of normal. The purpose of the test is to observe the body's reaction to sugar. In healthy individuals, blood sugar returns to normal within a certain period after glucose loading, while it remains elevated in those with diabetes.
For the test to provide accurate results, a normal diet should be followed in the days leading up to the test, and fasting should be ensured on the morning of the test. During the test, it is important for the individual not to move and to be unaffected by external factors to ensure the accuracy of the results.
Nutrition and Diet in Diabetes
The question "What should a person with diabetes eat?" is one of the most frequently asked by individuals newly introduced to this disease. In diabetes treatment, nutrition is one of the most critical aspects of ensuring blood sugar control. Especially, carbohydrate consumption should be balanced, refined sugars should be avoided, and foods with a low glycemic index should be preferred.
A diet plan rich in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats, and protein helps both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients balance their daily blood sugar levels. It is also recommended not to skip snacks and to increase water consumption.
Additionally, some herbal products are thought to be beneficial for diabetes. Natural products like cinnamon, turmeric, and black cumin have positive effects on blood sugar levels according to some studies. The use of these products should always be under medical supervision.
What Are the Symptoms of Nervous Diabetes?
Nervous diabetes is a temporary or permanent type of diabetes that arises from the effect of psychological stress on the body's metabolism. Intense stress, anxiety disorders, or sudden traumas can cause uncontrolled rises in blood sugar levels. It is especially considered a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of nervous diabetes are generally similar to those of classical diabetes. In these individuals, blood sugar rises are often triggered during moments of stress. Particularly, sudden increases in blood sugar after eating, fatigue, dizziness, and anxiety are among these symptoms. In this case, both psychological support and medical follow-up are very important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gestational diabetes and is it permanent?
Gestational diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. This condition develops due to increased hormone levels during pregnancy reducing the effect of insulin. It is typically detected with the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) conducted between the 24th and 28th weeks of gestation. Although blood sugar levels return to normal after childbirth, this does not mean the condition has completely disappeared. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at risk of encountering this condition again in subsequent pregnancies and are seven times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes in later years. Therefore, postnatal check-ups should not be skipped, a healthy lifestyle should be adopted, and blood sugar monitoring should be carried out periodically.
What should the blood sugar value be?
Blood sugar values can vary depending on an individual's age, health status, and diabetes history. According to generally accepted standards, a healthy individual should have a fasting blood sugar value between 70-100 mg/dL, and postprandial blood sugar (2 hours after the meal) should be below 140 mg/dL. In individuals diagnosed with diabetes, these values may be within slightly more flexible ranges and can vary according to their individual treatment plan. For long-term sugar control, the HbA1c test is important, and the target is to keep this value below 6.5%. Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels is critical for preventing potential complications.
How is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed?
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is a diagnostic test applied to measure the body's response to glucose. It is often used for individuals suspected of having Type 2 diabetes and to detect gestational diabetes. Before the test, at least 8-10 hours of fasting is requested from the individual. The first step of the test measures fasting blood sugar. Then, a liquid containing 75 grams of glucose is administered. After this procedure, blood samples are taken again at the first and second hours to measure the blood glucose level. In healthy individuals, these values remain within normal limits, while in those with diabetes, blood sugar may remain elevated for a long time. OGTT is a very effective method for detecting hidden diabetes (prediabetes).
What are the symptoms of diabetes and when should one consult a doctor?
Diabetes is generally a slowly progressing disease and can be hard to notice initially. However, some symptoms may indicate the development of the disease. These include excessive thirst, frequent urination, especially the need to urinate at night, dry mouth, constant hunger, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, fatigue, tingling in hands and feet. Symptoms like skin dryness, susceptibility to infections, and slow healing of wounds can also be observed. If one or more of these complaints are present, an immediate consultation with an internist or endocrinologist is recommended. Early diagnosis plays a major role in controlling diabetes and preventing organ damage.