Understanding Hyperglycemia and Diabetes: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention

What does elevated blood sugar mean, and how is it connected to diabetes? The two are closely related since diabetes leads to high blood glucose levels, a hallmark of the disease. Globally, approximately 537 million adults live with diabetes, yet many remain undiagnosed. Recognizing the disease is essential for managing its symptoms effectively.

What is high blood sugar and diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by the body's inability to regulate blood sugar properly. Food is converted into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. The pancreas releases insulin to regulate this glucose, helping cells use it for energy. In diabetes, insulin production or effectiveness is impaired, causing glucose accumulation that can lead to health complications.

The primary types include:

Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, mostly affecting children and young adults. No cure exists, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.

Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, where insulin is produced but not effectively used. It predominantly affects adults and accounts for 90-95% of cases.

Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy when insulin needs rise; it can affect the baby's health and increases the mother's risk of type 2 later.

Prediabetes: A state where blood sugar is higher than normal but not diabetic. Fasting levels above 125 mg/dL indicate diabetes, while 110-125 mg/dL suggest prediabetes.

Risk Factors: Age, family history, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy history, race, and metabolic disorders influence risk for type 2 and gestational diabetes. Additional factors include advanced age, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and prior gestational diabetes.

Signs of Type 2 Diabetes: Increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, frequent infections, and high ketone levels in urine.

Long-term Complications: Uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to kidney failure, cardiovascular issues, limb amputations, and eye problems like retinopathy and glaucoma.

Prevention: While type 1 is not preventable, type 2 and gestational diabetes can be managed through a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and stress reduction.

Blood Sugar Management Tips: Focus on whole grains, stay hydrated with water or unsweetened beverages, replace trans fats with healthy options, limit red and processed meats, and include protein-rich foods like nuts, beans, fish, and poultry in your diet.

If concerns persist, consult a healthcare professional for tailored treatment and guidance.