Diabetes affects millions of lives daily. According to a recent report, 101 million people in India have diabetes. But how much do we really know about diabetes?
You may be familiar with terms related to healthcare like glucose levels, metabolism, and sugar intake. But to truly understand diabetes and its symptoms, it is necessary to get to know its two distinct types. Let’s start with the hormone at the center of it all: insulin. Insulin is often described as the "key" that unlocks cells, allowing glucose to enter and be used for energy. In a healthy body, the pancreas produces insulin in response to rising blood glucose levels, typically after eating. This insulin then circulates in the bloodstream, binding to cells and facilitating the uptake of glucose.
This process is disrupted for those with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, it usually occurs during childhood or early adulthood and is believed to be caused by genetic factors or environmental conditions like exposure to viruses.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose. In this form of diabetes, your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects. This leads to high blood sugar levels, as your cells can't effectively take in and use glucose for energy. Type 2 diabetes is influenced by both genetics and lifestyle factors. While weight and physical activity play important roles, some people may inherit a higher risk of this condition. It's also much more common than type 1 diabetes, making up about 95% of all diabetes cases worldwide. Although a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk, it doesn't guarantee prevention. Other factors like age, ethnicity, family history, and certain health conditions can also increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Even so, understanding how lifestyle affects diabetes risk can help you make choices that may prevent or delay its onset. These choices include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.
The Power of Continuous Monitoring
Effective diabetes management, regardless of type, requires constant awareness of blood glucose levels. For many, having to manually get this information can disrupt their daily life, which is why innovations in healthcare are making this easier— biosensory wearables like Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid just beneath the skin. They keep you informed about your glucose behavior at all times, reflecting how your diet, activity levels and medication impact your blood sugar levels. This helps you make informed choices to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Those already diagnosed with diabetes can rely on these insights to maximize their time in range and manage their condition better.
Why Subtle Health Insights Matter
For those living with diabetes, understanding the nuances of their condition can be transformative. It's not just about knowing your blood sugar levels; it's about recognizing how your body responds to the small changes in your routines. With a continuous glucose monitor, keeping an eye on your glucose levels as you step out for social events, dinners with friends, or walks gets much simpler. You are able to see in real time how your food intake or physical activity affects your blood sugar levels.
For instance, you may discover that consuming protein alongside carbohydrates slows down your glucose absorption, leading to more manageable post-meal blood sugar levels. Or a short walk after dinner helps stabilize their glucose readings more effectively than a longer workout in the morning.
These insights, gathered through careful observation and tools like CGMs, enable you to make micro-adjustments to your daily routine. By paying close attention to these details, people with diabetes can move from a reactive approach to a proactive one, anticipating their body's requirements and responding with precision.
When we begin researching information on a health condition, we often look outside ourselves to gain knowledge about causes, symptoms and treatment options. But to be truly aware, it is equally necessary to look within, to be able to interpret our body’s cues and understand its unique needs. And sometimes, this means going back to the basics, to the root of the chronic health condition. Getting familiar with the fundamentals of diabetes is the first step in your journey towards personalized care and long-term well-being.
Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.
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