Diabetes-Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment Method

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a metabolic disease caused by increased levels of glucose or blood sugar. Blood sugar is vital for health because it is an important source of energy for cells and tissues.

This disease can be divided into several types, namely:

Type 1 diabetes, in which the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes, in which the beta cells in the pancreas do not produce sufficient amounts of insulin, or the body's cells do not show a response to the insulin produced.

Gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

Other types of diabetes, which can arise due to hormonal disorders, immunology, infections, or other genetic disorders.

Basic Health Research Data (Riskesdas) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia shows that in 2013 it is estimated that around 6.9% of Indonesia's population has diabetes.

If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to various complications, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, obesity, and eye, kidney and nerve disorders.

In addition, diabetes can also cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels in the body. This can cause a sudden drop (hypoglycemia) or an increase in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).

Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes usually has no symptoms at first. Meanwhile, in type 1 diabetes, symptoms can develop quickly. Some of the signs and symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are:

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, usually occurring during childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes — the more common type — can occur at any age, although it is more common in people over 40 years of age.

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Diagnosis of diabetes can be made by checking blood sugar levels. A person can be said to have diabetes if:

There is a fasting blood sugar level of more than 126 mg / dL, where fasting is a condition where there is no calorie intake for at least 8 hours before the examination.

There is a blood sugar level of more than 200 mg / dL after an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (TTGO), where a person gets sugar intake with a glucose load of 75 grams.

There is a blood sugar level of more than 200 mg / dL which is accompanied by classic diabetes complaints.

In addition, someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes can have their HbA1c levels checked at least once every three months if they have not reached their blood sugar target, and once every 6 months for those with stable blood sugar levels.

In diabetes management, health experts use the term "5 Pillars" which includes:

The education carried out includes providing information on lifestyle changes that can be made. This is so that diabetics feel motivated and get information about healthy living behaviors.

This information includes self-monitoring of blood sugar, signs and symptoms of complications that can arise, and how to treat them.

This therapy can be tailored for each person with diabetes, according to their individual needs. However, things that need to be emphasized are the importance of regularity in eating patterns including meal schedules, types of food, and quantities.

If diabetics consult a doctor, they can also calculate their ideal body weight, recommended daily calorie intake, and the proportion of fat, protein and carbohydrates that can be consumed.

Diabetics are advised to exercise regularly, at least 3-4 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

Apart from maintaining good health, exercise can also help you lose weight and improve insulin sensitivity, thereby improving blood glucose control.

The recommended types of exercise are aerobic activities such as walking, cycling, running or swimming.

Giving drugs to diabetics can include oral or injectable drugs. For type 1 diabetes, treatment can be insulin given by injection.

For type 2 diabetes, there are several classes of oral drugs that can be given as indicated by a doctor. However, in certain cases, injectable insulin can also be given for type 2 diabetes.

Currently, there are many easy-to-use measuring devices for blood sugar levels. The results obtained are generally reliable if the calibration of the instrument is carried out properly and checks are carried out in the recommended manner.

The recommended time for independent blood sugar monitoring is just before eating, 2 hours after eating, at bedtime, or when experiencing certain symptoms.

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It is very important to take diabetes prevention if you have diabetes risk factors. For example, if you are overweight or have a family history of diabetes.

To avoid diabetes, adopting a healthy lifestyle is the main key. Eat a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet, exercise regularly, and maintain an ideal body weight.