We treat cancer with alternative, conventional, & naturopathic methods.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is the primary source of energy for cells, and its regulation depends on a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can damage various organs over time.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is the primary source of energy for cells, and its regulation depends on a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can damage various organs over time.

Types of Diabetes

  1. Type 1 Diabetes:
    • An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
    • Usually diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood.
    • Requires insulin therapy for life.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes:
    • The most common form.
    • Occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin.
    • Strongly linked to obesity, inactivity, and genetics.
    • Can often be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, or insulin.
  3. Gestational Diabetes:
    • Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth.
    • Increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
  4. Prediabetes:
    • A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
    • Signals a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
  5. Other Types:
    • Monogenic diabetes (caused by single gene mutations).
    • Diabetes related to other conditions, like cystic fibrosis or certain medications.

Causes

  • Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic cells.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: A combination of genetic factors, obesity, and lifestyle issues.
  • Gestational Diabetes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy impair insulin function.

Symptoms

  • Frequent urination (polyuria).
  • Excessive thirst (polydipsia).
  • Increased hunger (polyphagia).
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Unexplained weight loss (more common in type 1 diabetes).
  • Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections.
  • Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (in type 2 diabetes).

Complications of Untreated Diabetes

  1. Short-Term Complications:
    • Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar levels.
    • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels (often from medication or insulin use).
    • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A serious complication of type 1 diabetes when the body starts breaking down fats for energy, leading to acid buildup.
  2. Long-Term Complications:
    • Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, strokes).
    • Nerve damage (neuropathy), leading to pain or numbness.
    • Kidney damage (nephropathy) or failure.
    • Eye damage (retinopathy), potentially causing blindness.
    • Foot problems (poor circulation or infections).
    • Increased risk of infections.

Diagnosis

  1. Blood Tests:
    • Fasting Blood Sugar: Measures glucose after fasting; diabetes is diagnosed if ≥126 mg/dL.
    • HbA1c Test: Measures average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months; diabetes is diagnosed if ≥6.5%.
    • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after consuming a sugary drink; diabetes is diagnosed if ≥200 mg/dL after 2 hours.
  2. Urine Tests:
    • Detects glucose or ketones in urine.

Treatment

  1. Type 1 Diabetes:
    • Insulin therapy (via injections or pumps).
    • Frequent blood sugar monitoring.
    • Healthy diet and exercise.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes:
    • Lifestyle changes: Healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight loss.
    • Oral medications: Metformin is often the first-line drug.
    • Injectable medications: GLP-1 receptor agonists or insulin if needed.
  3. Gestational Diabetes:
    • Controlled through diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin.

Lifestyle and Management

  1. Healthy Diet:
    • Focus on whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
    • Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods.
    • Carb counting to manage blood sugar.
  2. Exercise:
    • At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
    • Helps lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
  3. Blood Sugar Monitoring:
    • Frequent checks using a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
  4. Medication Adherence:
    • Take prescribed medications or insulin as directed.
  5. Stress Management:
    • Reduces blood sugar fluctuations.
  6. Regular Checkups:
    • Monitor for complications and adjust treatment plans.

Prevention (for Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes)

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fiber.
  • Stay physically active.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
  • Regular screening for those at risk.

When to See a Doctor

  • Symptoms of diabetes appear (excessive thirst, frequent urination, etc.).
  • Difficulty managing blood sugar levels.
  • Persistent fatigue, infections, or slow-healing wounds.

Outlook

Diabetes requires lifelong management but can often be controlled with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and adherence to management plans reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.

‍