Ancient Egypt recorded a type of disease that apparently referred to diabetes about 3,000 years ago. It is said to have a thirst, weight loss, and even urination.
Meanwhile, in the 5th century C.E. was discovered in India and China with two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. It was then that they first noticed that this type 2 type of disease usually affects obese and wealthy people.
During the Middle Ages, doctors thought that diabetes was the result of a kidney condition. However, it was later proven that it can also affect people with pancreatic conditions.
In 1776 Matthew Dobson proved that the urine of people with diabetes has a sweet taste. He studied glucose in the urine of people with diabetes and found that it had high glucose levels.
Today, doctors' knowledge of this disease continues to grow. Research is also ongoing on additional drugs that may help to cure it.
Types
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes. It is also known as childhood diabetes. It occurs when the body is no longer able to make insulin. Thus, people with this type of diabetes rely on insulin daily to maintain proper blood glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes. It was called the disease by the wealthy of ancient physicians. The way of life has a lot to do with having this disease. This condition can affect people who are obese, lack exercise, and those aged 45 and over.
Diabetes caused by pregnancy (gestational diabetes). It usually affects pregnant women. During pregnancy their body's ability to use insulin properly is weakened. However, this condition can disappear after birth.
Causes
Here are the causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes
A person develops type 1 diabetes when the immune system itself attacks and destroys the beta cells of the pancreas where insulin is made. It is not yet clear why this is happening, but experts believe it is the result of hereditary genes and environmental factors.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be caused by the following:
Being obese and lacking in physical activities. Being obese usually causes insulin resistance, especially if there is a lot of fat around the abdomen.
Insulin resistance. It is a type of condition in which liver, fat, and muscle cells do not use insulin properly. Because the pancreas is forced to make too much insulin, there is an excess of glucose in the blood.
Family genetics. There are genes that are said to cause diabetes. As a result, diabetes can be passed on by a person who has it to his or her future children.
Other possible causes of diabetes are as follows:
Genetic mutations
Having a hormonal condition
Having a condition in the pancreas or when it is removed by surgery
Taking drugs that can damage beta cells
Symptoms
The symptoms are the same for every person with diabetes. However, it should be noted that people with type 2 this type of condition have only mild symptoms.
The symptoms of diabetes are as follows:
Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
It is easy to starve, or still starve even if you eat enough
Having ketones in the urine
Excessive fatigue and weakness
Blurred vision
Having scars and wounds that have long healed
Excessive weight loss even when eating a lot
Numbness in the hands and feet
Risk Factors
Type 1 diabetes can affect even children. People with a high probability of having it are as follows:
Those with diabetic family members. A person can develop diabetes if there are relatives, especially close family members, who have it.
Those with pancreatic conditions. The condition of the pancreas insulin may be weakened with the condition.
Those with infections. There are unusual infections and diseases that can cause a condition in the pancreas. They can also cause a weakening of the pancreas' ability to make insulin.
Type 2 diabetes usually affects adults or adults. Of these, those at high risk of developing this condition are as follows:
Relatives with this type of condition (genetics)
Those aged 45 and over
People who are obese
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Those with insulin resistance
Belonging to certain types of race. It has been found that African-American, Latino American, Native American, Asian-American, and indigenous people of Alaska and the Pacific Islands are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Obese and overweight
Those with poor glucose tolerance. People with this condition are rare, but anyone with this type of disease has a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Those who had diabetes during pregnancy. This condition is called gestational diabetes. Having it raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes eventually.
Deficiencies in physical activity. People who rarely exercise or sit regularly are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Ways to avoid:
Type 1 Diabetes is unavoidable, but Type 2, which is much more common, can be prevented by eating a healthy diet, exercising or being more active, and losing weight.
Eating nutritious and avoiding fatty and overly sweet foods
Eating nutritious food not only prevents diabetes, it also prevents various diseases such as hypertension (high blood), heart disease, and much more. Make it a habit to eat fruits and vegetables every day, and choose healthier or healthier foods whenever you go shopping. Cut down on fatty foods - but it's okay to taste lechon occasionally. Avoid overly sweet. At first, you may be helped to eat foods that have little or no sugar but when you get used to it, you will notice that these foods are also delicious - sugar overpowers the natural taste of foods.
Be active; exercise!
At any age, there are physical activities that can be done and enjoyed. Choose what suits your lifestyle. No need to spend to have an active lifestyle - it's free to run in your barangay at dawn, or play basketball with the neighbors. Choose the activities you enjoy, and learn about the programs in your community - maybe free Zumba or other physical activity. Mountain climbing or walking in forests, beaches, and other places in nature, is also a great activity.
Lose weight
Weight loss will do much to prevent diabetes, and the first two tips are the key to achieving it. Remember, these steps are not easy to do, especially in the beginning, but they are easier when you are used to it. Just think that it is much harder if you have diabetes: prevention is better than cure!
If you already have diabetes, it is not too late
Taking the steps we have mentioned here will also be of great help even to people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Again, not only medicine is needed. It requires a change of diet and lifestyle, and if you persevere, it can do much good for your health.
