Understanding Diabetes and Its Impact
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose, are too high. Blood glucose is the main source of energy for the body and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose from food enter your cells to be used as energy. However, in some cases, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, causing glucose to remain in the blood and not enter the cells.
Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can lead to serious health problems. Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed, and your health can be maintained with proper treatment. Regenerative medicine, particularly cell therapy, has shown promise in treating diabetes and improving patients’ quality of life. Despite common misconceptions that diabetes may be a minor condition or just “high sugar,” it poses significant health risks.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin because the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and it requires regular insulin injections to keep blood sugar levels under control. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known, but it is believed to involve genetic and environmental factors.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it effectively. This type of diabetes can develop at any age but is most commonly found in middle-aged and older adults. It is the most prevalent form of diabetes. Insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, plays a key role in type 2 diabetes. Obesity is closely linked to the development of this condition, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
Diagnosing Diabetes: Blood Sugar Testing
Diabetes is typically diagnosed by measuring blood sugar levels through blood tests. A standard test involves measuring fasting blood glucose levels, where the blood is drawn after at least 8 hours of fasting. A normal fasting blood glucose level should not exceed 100 mg/dL. If the level is between 100-125 mg/dL, it is considered prediabetes. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions confirms a diagnosis of diabetes. The target blood sugar level for those with diabetes is typically 90-130 mg/dL.
Besides fasting blood glucose tests, healthcare providers often use another test called Glycated Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) to assess long-term blood sugar levels. HbA1C provides an average blood sugar level over the past three months, reflecting the lifespan of red blood cells. However, HbA1C has limitations as it only shows an average and not fluctuations in blood sugar levels. A newer technology, GlycoMark, offers more detailed insights by showing blood sugar variability over the past two weeks, providing a more dynamic understanding of blood sugar control.
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Comprehensive Approach to Diabetes Management
Research by the American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetes is influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. However, distinguishing between these factors can be challenging, as lifestyle and dietary habits are often inherited. For example, children of parents who frequently consume starchy foods, snacks, and fast food may adopt similar eating habits, increasing their risk of developing diabetes. Conversely, children raised on a healthy diet are less likely to develop the condition.
Diabetes is largely a lifestyle-related disease, often resulting from poor dietary choices and habits. Therefore, medication alone cannot fully address the underlying causes of the disease. While medications can help lower blood sugar levels, comprehensive lifestyle changes are necessary to improve the condition. Preventive and functional medicine offers a holistic approach to managing diabetes, focusing on the following strategies:
- Balancing Metabolic Functions: Enhancing the body’s metabolic processes to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization.
- Detoxification: Eliminating toxins from the body that may contribute to metabolic dysfunction.
- Personalized Nutrition: Tailoring dietary recommendations to the individual’s specific needs and health status.
- Peptide Therapy: Using advanced therapies to support cellular health and repair damaged tissues.
- Exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity to support overall well-being and improve insulin sensitivity.
Conclusion
While diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, adopting a holistic approach that includes dietary changes, regular exercise, and advanced medical treatments can significantly improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.
