Damaged Organs Over Time
Another way diabetes can lead to death is by damage done to organs and tissues in the body over a long period of time. For example, the blood vessels in the kidneys can be damaged by high blood sugar, says Dr. Mcclaina complication that can lead to kidney failure and require dialysis.
This same type of organ and blood-vessel damage can also lead to blindness and to amputation of feet or legs, he adds, which can reduce quality of life and raise the risk of infection, injuries, or additional illnesses. We know that keeping blood sugar under control, for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of these complications, says Dr. Mcclain.
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What Is Causes Of Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin is a natural hormone. It is created by your pancreas, and released when you eat. Insulin helps bring glucose from your bloodstream into cells all over your body, where it is used for energy.
If you have diabetes type 2 your body is insulin resistant. Your body doesnt use the hormone effectively anymore. This forces your pancreas to work harder to make more insulin.
Over time, this can damage cells in your pancreas. Eventually, your pancreas may not be able to produce any insulin.
If you dont develop enough insulin, or your body doesnt use it properly, your bloodstream builds up glucose. That leaves energy-hungry cells in your body. Doctors dont know exactly what the sequence of events causes.
It may have to do with pancreatic cell dysfunction, or cell signaling and regulation. In some people too much glucose is released by the liver. Genetic predisposition may be present for the development of type 2 diabetes.
There is undoubtedly a genetic predisposition to obesity, which raises the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance. An environmental cause may also come in.
Can Diabetes Cause Hearing Loss
Scientists dont have firm answers yet but there appears to be a correlation between hearing loss and diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, a recent study found that hearing loss was twice as common in people with diabetes versus those who didnt have diabetes. Also, the rate of hearing loss in people with prediabetes was 30% higher compared with those who had normal blood glucose levels. Scientists think diabetes damages the blood vessels in the inner ear, but more research is needed.
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Learning Healthier Lifestyle Choices
Reducing the lifestyle-dependent spikes in blood sugar is where the biggest value can be found, says Josh Clemente, co-founder of Levels. We studied all the literature that’s available. People who are able to maintain blood sugar control in that 70-110 mg/dL range consistently have the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementiaall the comorbidities of metabolic dysfunction.
Its important to note, however, that many Americans dont have the means to alter their diets. Quick TV dinners may be all thats practical for Americans who work long, exhausting hours at minimum wage. That doesnt mean its healthy to reach for the soda to go with that TV dinner, but tackling Americas sugar addiction requires systemic change.;
For me, Levels is like the angel of health on my shoulder alerting me to the sugar-laden devil in the details. Thanks to Levels, I know when my blood sugar stays elevated at levels higher than ideal, and which meals are causing this. For example, I didnt realize just how sugary durian fruit was. Like my morning smoothie, it spiked my blood glucose right up. Maybe those werent so surprisingbut my oat milk was. Turns out theres added sugar in that, too.
What I have noticed, however, is that adding exercise to my routineeven just a short walk before or after a mealkeeps my blood glucose in better check. According to Means, thats a pretty common theme among users.
What Should I Expect If I Have Been Diagnosed With Diabetes
If you have diabetes, the most important thing you can do is keep your blood glucose level within the target range recommended by your healthcare provider. In general, these targets are:
- Before a meal: between 80 and 130 mg/dL.
- About two hours after the start of a meal: less than 180 mg/dL.
You will need to closely follow a treatment plan, which will likely include following a customized diet plan, exercising 30 minutes five times a week, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Always take your medications and insulin as instructed by your provider.
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What Types Of Diabetes Require Insulin
People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin to live. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your body has attacked your pancreas, destroying the cells that make insulin. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas makes insulin, but it doesnt work as it should. In some people with Type 2 diabetes, insulin may be needed to help glucose move from your bloodstream to your bodys cells where its needed for energy. You may or may not need insulin if you have gestational diabetes. If you are pregnant or have Type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider will check your blood glucose level, assess other risk factors and determine a treatment approach which may include a combination of lifestyle changes, oral medications and insulin. Each person is unique and so is your treatment plan.
Who Gets Diabetes What Are The Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk differ depending on the type of diabetes you ultimately develop.
Risk factors for Type 1 diabetes include:
- Having a family history of Type 1 diabetes.
- Injury to the pancreas .
- Presence of autoantibodies .
- Physical stress .
- Exposure to illnesses caused by viruses.
Risk factors for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes include:
- Family history of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
- Being African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American race or Pacific Islander.
- Being overweight.
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:
- Family history of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
- Being African-American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian-American.
- Being overweight before your pregnancy.
- Being over 25 years of age.
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When Diabetes Kills: Diabetic Ketoacidosis Health
Type-1 is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and is a result of the body not making insulin, the hormone that transports glucose into cells for use as energy. 2 Type-2 is the most common form of diabetes and arises from the body not responding to insulin Most people with type 1 diabetes need to take about 8 to 10 units of insulin for every 500 calories they eat. You may need slightly. The researchers hope to use the cases to understand whether SARS-CoV-2 can induce type 1 diabetes or a new form of the disease. And they want to investigate whether the sudden-onset diabetes. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy depend on what type of neuropathy you have. Symptoms are dependent on which nerves have been damaged. In general, diabetic neuropathy symptoms develop gradually; they may seem like minor and infrequent pains or problems at first, but as the nerves become more damaged, symptoms may grow Less than 5% of all people diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, symptoms can become very serious very quickly, requiring urgent treatment in the hospital. Prediabetes is another type of diabetes. This is an early form of type 2 diabetes that can be reversed with healthy lifestyle changes
Can People With Type 2 Diabetes Stop
Insulin, Blood Sugar, and Type 2 Diabetes. Insulin is a key player in developing type 2 diabetes. This vital hormoneyou can’t survive without itregulates blood sugar in the body, a very complicated process. Here are the high points: The food you eat is broken down into blood sugar In diabetes, this process goes awry. Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the immune system attacks the pancreas so it can’t make insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body can make insulin, but it either doesn’t make enough or it can’t use its insulin efficiently. Either way, glucose remains in the bloodstream rather than entering cells of.
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Can Diabetes Cause Hair Loss
Yes, its possible for diabetes to cause hair loss. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to persistently high blood glucose levels. This, in turn, leads to blood vessel damage and restricted flow, and oxygen and nutrients cant get to the cells that need it including hair follicles. Stress can cause hormone level changes that affect hair growth. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks itself and can also cause a hair loss condition called alopecia areata.
Fighting A War Against Diabetes
In spite of that technology, the silent scourge of diabetes continued to ravage his body, his diseased pancreas attacking his kidneys, his eyes and other organs.
In January 2020, he faced another crisis. His lifesaving insulin skyrocketed from $30 for three months to $575 with insurance. After he managed to get the medicine for a cheaper price by mail , he hit a new snag when the Postal Service announced it was slowing down mail delivery.
He said he worried about getting his critical insulin on time. Now youre relying on a whole other service to get you your medication.
Those fighting the war against diabetes often feel beaten down, he said. He confessed that he has battled mood swings and anger.;
Nine out of 10 times, youll take it out on a co-worker, a wife or a friend, he said. It ruins relationships and jobs.
His wife, Liz Nosen, agreed that diabetes takes its toll, saying the disease has been the constant third party in their relationship. Its always something that you both need to attend to, she said.;
If things go wrong, he wont be able to attend to it.
She recalled waking one night, and his breathing sounded funny.
She asked if he was OK, and he didnt answer. She turned on the lights and realized he was having a seizure. She called 911, and the ambulance arrived.
Night times are the scariest, she said, because hes going unconscious and so are you.
The waiting began.;
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How Often Do I Need To See My Primary Diabetes Healthcare Professional
In general, if you are being treated with insulin shots, you should see your doctor at least every three to four months. If you are treated with pills or are managing diabetes through diet, you should be seen at least every four to six months. More frequent visits may be needed if your blood sugar is not controlled or if complications of diabetes are worsening.
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed
Diabetes is diagnosed and managed by checking your glucose level in a blood test. There are three tests that can measure your blood glucose level: fasting glucose test, random glucose test and A1c test.
- Fasting plasma glucose test: This test is best done in the morning after an eight hour fast .
- Random plasma glucose test: This test can be done any time without the need to fast.
- A1c test: This test, also called HbA1C or glycated hemoglobin test, provides your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. This test measures the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. You dont need to fast before this test.
- Oral glucose tolerance test: In this test, blood glucose level is first measured after an overnight fast. Then you drink a sugary drink. Your blood glucose level is then checked at hours one, two and three.
| Type of test |
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How Is Diabetes Managed
Diabetes affects your whole body. To best manage diabetes, youll need to take steps to keep your risk factors under control and within the normal range, including:
- Keep your blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible by following a diet plan, taking prescribed medication and increasing your activity level.
- Maintain your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels as near the normal ranges as possible.
- Control your blood pressure. Your blood pressure should not be over 140/90 mmHg.
You hold the keys to managing your diabetes by:
- Planning what you eat and following a healthy meal plan. Follow a Mediterranean diet or Dash diet. These diets are high in nutrition and fiber and low in fats and calories. See a registered dietitian for help understanding nutrition and meal planning.
- Exercising regularly. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Walk, swim or find some activity you enjoy.
- Losing weight if you are overweight. Work with your healthcare team to develop a weight-loss plan.
- Taking medication and insulin, if prescribed, and closely following recommendations on how and when to take it.
- Quitting smoking .
You have a lot of control on a day-to-day basis in managing your diabetes!
People Who Can Help You Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Cholesterol and blood screening;Your doctor will draw a blood sample to check your cholesterol, and see if your blood pressure is within a healthy range. High blood pressure and cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and vision problems.
Kidney screening;Youll provide a urine sample to see if theres protein in your urine. Protein can be a sign of kidney damage.
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Can Type 2 Diabetes Kill You
Type 2 diabetes is the United States seventh-largest cause of death. Nearly 7 out of every 10 people with diabetes over 65 years old will die of some type of heart disease, according to the CDC. If you do, the average risk of death is about double that of someone the age does not and in this article, we going to share some research and knowledge about how can type 2 diabetes kill you.
What Are The Complications Of Diabetes
If your blood glucose level remains high over a long period of time, your bodys tissues and organs can be seriously damaged. Some complications can be life-threatening over time.
Complications include:
- Dental problems.
Complications of gestational diabetes:
In the mother:Preeclampsia , risk of gestational diabetes during future pregnancies and risk of diabetes later in life.
In the newborn: Higher-than-normal birth weight, low blood sugar , higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes over time and death shortly after birth.
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What Does It Mean If Test Results Show I Have Protein In My Urine
This means your kidneys are allowing protein to be filtered through and now appear in your urine. This condition is called proteinuria. The continued presence of protein in your urine is a sign of kidney damage.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Theres much you can do to prevent the development of diabetes . However, if you or your child or adolescent develop symptoms of diabetes, see your healthcare provider. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the sooner steps can be taken to treat and control it. The better you are able to control your blood sugar level, the more likely you are to live a long, healthy life.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/28/2021.
References
When Should I Call My Doctor
If you havent been diagnosed with diabetes, you should see your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of diabetes. If you already have been diagnosed with diabetes, you should contact your provider if your blood glucose levels are outside of your target range, if current symptoms worsen or if you develop any new symptoms.
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Can Prediabetes Type 2 Diabetes And Gestational Diabetes Be Prevented
Although diabetes risk factors like family history and race cant be changed, there are other risk factors that you do have some control over. Adopting some of the healthy lifestyle habits listed below can improve these modifiable risk factors and help to decrease your chances of getting diabetes:
- Eat a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean or Dash diet. Keep a food diary and calorie count of everything you eat. Cutting 250 calories per day can help you lose ½ pound per week.
- Get physically active. Aim for 30 minutes a day at least five days a week. Start slow and work up to this amount or break up these minutes into more doable 10 minute segments. Walking is great exercise.
- Lose weight if you are overweight. Dont lose weight if you are pregnant, but check with your obstetrician about healthy weight gain during your pregnancy.
- Lower your stress. Learn relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, mindful meditation, yoga and other helpful strategies.
- Limit alcohol intake. Men should drink no more than two alcoholic beverages a day; women should drink no more than one.
- Get an adequate amount of sleep .
- Take medications to manage existing risk factors for heart disease or to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes as directed by your healthcare provider.
- If you think you have symptoms of prediabetes, see your provider.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Heart Eyes Feet Nerves And Kidneys
Blood vessels are located throughout our bodys tissues and organs. They surround our bodys cells, providing a transfer of oxygen, nutrients and other substances, using blood as the exchange vehicle. In simple terms, diabetes doesnt allow glucose to get into cells and it damages blood vessels in/near these organs and those that nourish nerves. If organs, nerves and tissues cant get the essentials they need to properly function, they can begin to fail.Proper function means that your hearts blood vessels, including arteries, are not damaged . In your kidneys, this means that waste products can be filtered out of your blood. In your eyes, this means that the blood vessels in your retina remain intact. In your feet and nerves, this means that nerves are nourished and that theres blood flow to your feet. Diabetes causes damage that prevents proper function.
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