Diabetes (Diabetes): Symptoms, Types and Treatment
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases today. In this article, we will provide detailed information about what diabetes is, its symptoms, types and treatment methods.
You can read our article Diabetic Foot: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention to get basic information about diabetic foot.
What is Diabetes (Diabetes)?
Diabetes is generally a chronic metabolic disease that occurs as a result of a disorder in the production or utilization of the hormone insulin. The hormone insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps the body regulate blood sugar. In diabetes, the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use the produced insulin effectively.
The Two Most Common Types of Diabetes
There are two most common types of diabetes disease:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in childhood or adolescence and the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This condition leads to a decrease or complete cessation of insulin production.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, usually develops in adulthood and the body’s cells become unable to use insulin effectively or the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Diabetes symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Excessive thirst and constant need to drink water
- Frequent urination and frequent trips to the bathroom at night
- Constant feeling of hunger and not feeling full even after eating
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision and vision problems
- Weight loss (especially in Type 1 diabetes)
- Wound healing problems and slow healing of cuts
- Recurring infections and fungal infections
You can get detailed information about symptoms of diabetes.
What is Diabetic Foot?
Diabetic foot is one of the most serious complications seen in diabetes patients. When diabetes disease is not kept under control for a long time, damage occurs in the blood vessels and nerve endings in the foot area over the years. This condition manifests itself as diabetic foot symptoms. You can get detailed information about what is diabetic foot.
Diabetic Foot Symptoms
Diabetic foot symptoms include:
- Numbness and tingling in foot area
- Dryness and cracks in foot skin
- Foot ulcers and wounds
- Loss of sensation in foot area
- Changes in foot nails
- Deformation of foot shape (Charcot foot)
You can get detailed information about diabetic foot symptoms, stages and treatment methods.
Long-term Complications of Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to long-term complications and cause the following health problems:
- Heart disease and cardiovascular problems
- Kidney problems (diabetic nephropathy)
- Eye problems (diabetic retinopathy)
- Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
- Foot problems and diabetic foot syndrome
You can get detailed information about diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage).
Diabetes Management and Treatment
Diabetes management involves adopting a healthy lifestyle and keeping blood sugar under control. Treatment usually includes:
- Paying attention to diet and carbohydrate counting
- Doing regular physical activity
- Weight control and maintaining healthy body weight
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels
- Taking medication when needed
You can get detailed information about diabetes and diabetic foot.
Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
Type 1 diabetes patients need insulin injections because their pancreas glands cannot produce enough insulin. Be careful for early diagnosis by getting information about symptoms of diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Type 2 diabetes patients can sometimes keep their blood sugar under control with diet and lifestyle changes, while in some cases they may need oral medications or insulin injections. You can get detailed information about symptoms of diabetes.
Diabetes Prevention and Control
The following steps are important for diabetes prevention or control:
- Healthy diet and nutrition plan
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week)
- Control of body weight and staying at ideal weight
- Limiting smoking and alcohol consumption
- Attending regular health checkups
- Stress management and adequate sleep
Be careful for early diagnosis by getting information about symptoms of diabetes.
Istanbul Diabetic Foot Treatment
There are centers specialized in Istanbul diabetic foot treatment. Diabetic foot is treated in Istanbul with modern medical devices and expert doctors. Special care protocols and treatment methods are applied for diabetic foot patients. You can get detailed information about which doctor should you consult for diabetic foot problems.
Diabetic Foot Care
Things to pay attention to for diabetic foot care:
- Paying attention to foot hygiene
- Moisturizing foot skin
- Cutting foot nails properly
- Regularly checking foot wounds
- Appropriate shoe selection
- Regular podologist checkup
Click for a detailed guide on correct shoe selection for diabetic patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I go to the doctor for diabetes symptoms?
You should immediately consult a doctor when you notice symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and weight loss.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes starts at a young age and there is no insulin production, while Type 2 diabetes starts in adulthood and there is insulin resistance.
Can diabetes be prevented?
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.
How long does diabetes treatment last?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires lifelong treatment.
Conclusion and Expert Support
Diabetes is a disease that can lead to serious health problems but can help maintain quality of life with appropriate management. It is important for individuals at risk of diabetes to keep their blood sugar under control through regular medical follow-up and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance in preventing complications such as diabetic foot.
Diabetes patients should pay special attention to their foot health and be conscious about diabetic foot symptoms. Istanbul diabetic foot treatment centers provide services with specialized health personnel in this field.
You may be interested in: For more information about diabetic foot treatment, you can read our articles on diabetic foot infection treatment goals and diabetic foot wound dressing. You can also visit our page for detailed information about our treatment methods.
You can get information from Prof. Dr. Aytaç Çetinkaya for more information.
