There is sugar in the food that you take. Once the sugar is digested or broken down, it gets converted into glucose. With the help of a hormone called insulin the glucose is used in our body. If your body does not have enough insulin, the glucose or the sugar cannot be utilized by our body and your body develops diabetes which becomes a serious threat to your body and mental health.

 Two types of diabetes

 There are two types of diabetes namely type 1 and type 2. You’ll need to remember that both type-1 and type-2 diabetes are the causes for blood sugar levels to increase in our body.

 It is the type 1 diabetes (also known as insulin-dependent diabetes) which is most severe. In type 1 diabetes, not enough insulin is produced because the insulin producing cells in the pancreas get destroyed by patient’s own immune system. In type 2 diabetes the diabetic is able to produce insulin but not enough to meet the requirement of the body.

 What are the signs of diabetes?

 For a long period of time, diabetes may go undetected since some diabetes related symptoms are common in normal people as well. However, there are some signs or symptoms by which can determine if you have diabetes or not.

 The following sings should not be taken lightly: 

• If you have to frequently urinate especially during night
• If you are losing weight without any visible reason
• If your wounds or skin infections take longer time to heal
• If you feel excessively thirsty
• If you feel weak or tired

 What are the risks factors of diabetes?

 The biggest risk factor for a diabetic person is the gaining body weight. If you are obese, your mental health takes a backseat and you feel totally devastated. Overweight people are prone to diabetes because they are likely to have insulin resistance. Therefore, you should always take the proper measures to keep your weight under control.

 If you have high blood pressure, you should take the necessary steps to keep it under control since high blood pressure is another significant risk factor which comes along with it. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your cholesterol level under control. It will also have a significant impact on your mental health as well. Get your blood tested regularly. If your blood sugar levels are higher than the normal, it might be indicative of pre-diabetes.

 If someone in you family has diabetes there are strong chances of you acquiring it as well. There is absolutely no certainly that only those who have the above mentioned risk factors are likely to get diabetes. Those who do not have these risk factors also run the risk of getting diabetes. Therefore, you will need to take care of your body weight in order to maintain your fitness as well as your mental health.

You will need to take distinct measures to bring about changes in your lifestyle and dietary habits in order to avoid the type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can eliminate the peace of mind and destroy the mental health of the patient.

 Is diabetes dangerous?

 Many complications can arise along with diabetes. A diabetic always has a weak body and if you have a weak body, it just not possible for your mental health to remain in good shape. If you suffer from diabetes, your hands and feet can become numb, your kidneys can fail, you may get heart attack and stroke, and you may develop vision problems which could even lead to blindness. Diabetes can also cause nerve problems and impotence.

 What are the treatments for diabetes?

 With the advancement in the treatments available for diabetes, a diabetic can lead a normal life. If you want to manage diabetes, you will need to get your blood sugar tested regularly. A mechanical device called insulin pump can help deliver more insulin into the body like the pancreas. Experts are exploring the possibilities of transplanting insulin-producing cells into the body of a diabetic.

 Until that actually materializes, you will need to take care of yourself by eating healthy food, exercising and leading a healthier lifestyle.

 The complications associated with diabetes can be avoided if the diabetic management program starts early. If you have been delaying the treatment for diabetes due to any reason, you should not waste any more time since it will prevent a considerable deterioration of your physical as well as mental health.

How to diagnose and treat diabetes is a post from: Mental Health