Diabetes: Its Signs, Types, Risks, and Prevention - وكالة الحوض للأنباء

Diabetes: Its Signs, Types, Risks, and Prevention

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes glucose, the primary source of energy. With its global prevalence on the rise, it is crucial to understand the ...
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Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes glucose, the primary source of energy. With its global prevalence on the rise, it is crucial to understand the signs, types, risks, and prevention methods associated with this condition.


Signs of Diabetes and When to Consult a Doctor

Common signs of diabetes include:

  1. Frequent urination: A constant need to urinate.
  2. Excessive thirst: Persistent thirst despite adequate water intake.
  3. Increased hunger: A feeling of continuous hunger.
  4. Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness or exhaustion.
  5. Unexplained weight loss: Rapid weight loss without dieting.
  6. Slow-healing wounds: Cuts or wounds that take longer than usual to heal.
  7. Blurry vision: Difficulty seeing clearly.
  8. Numbness or tingling: Prickling sensations in the hands or feet.

When to Consult a Doctor?
If these symptoms are observed, especially in combination, it is important to consult a doctor immediately for proper testing and diagnosis.


Types of Diabetes

  1. Type 1 Diabetes:
    • An autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
    • Commonly diagnosed in children and young adults.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes:
    • Caused by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production.
    • Often associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
  3. Gestational Diabetes:
    • Occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.
  4. Prediabetes:
    • Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.

When is a Person Diagnosed with Diabetes?

A person is diagnosed with diabetes if:

  • Fasting blood glucose exceeds 126 mg/dL.
  • Blood glucose two hours after a meal is over 200 mg/dL.
  • The HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) test result is above 6.5%.

Risks of Diabetes

Without proper management, diabetes can lead to:

  • Cardiovascular diseases.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Nerve damage (neuropathy).
  • Vision problems, including blindness.
  • Limb amputations due to non-healing ulcers or infections.

Diabetes Prevention Measures

  1. Adopt a Healthy Diet:
    • Consume fiber-rich foods like vegetables and fruits.
    • Limit intake of refined sugars and high-fat foods.
  2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity:
    • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week.
  3. Lose Excess Weight:
    • Losing 5-7% of body weight significantly reduces diabetes risk.
  4. Undergo Regular Check-Ups:
    • Monitor blood sugar levels regularly, especially if you have risk factors like obesity or a family history of diabetes.
  5. Avoid Smoking:
    • Smoking increases insulin resistance and the risks associated with diabetes.

Diabetes and Aging

As people age, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases due to:

  • Reduced physical activity.
  • Metabolic changes.
  • Weight gain.
  • A gradual decline in pancreatic function and insulin production.

However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly mitigate these risks and improve quality of life.


While diabetes is a chronic condition, it can be effectively managed and prevented through early detection and lifestyle changes. Awareness of its signs, risks, and prevention methods is key to minimizing its impact, especially as people age. A balanced and active lifestyle remains the cornerstone of living well while managing this condition.


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