Diabetes Clinic
Welcome to a comprehensive exploration of diabetes, a health concern that demands personalized attention and strategic management. Dr. Zaar, a trailblazer in hormonal disorders, takes you on a journey to understand diabetes from a unique perspective – one that integrates biochemistry, clinical nutrition, and his unparalleled expertise.
Dr. Zaar, renowned as the best diabetes specialist in Lahore, Pakistan, has earned a distinguished reputation in the field of endocrinology, particularly in managing diabetes. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of diabetes management with best medicine, Dr. Zaar has been instrumental in providing exceptional care to patients. His clinic in Lahore is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, and he employs the latest treatment protocols to ensure optimal outcomes for his patients. Dr. Zaar’s approach is not just focused on treating the symptoms of diabetes but also on educating his patients about lifestyle changes and diet modifications to control the disease effectively. His dedication and expertise have made him a highly respected figure among both patients and peers in the medical community of Pakistan.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects the body’s utilisation of glucose, the main source of energy for cells in the body. Glucose is delivered to the cells via the bloodstream so they can use it as fuel. The hormone insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels, is secreted by the pancreas. When insulin is either completely absent or present in insufficient amounts, blood glucose levels rise in diabetics. There are two primary types of diabetes: Type 1, in which the body does not create any insulin, and Type 2, in which the body either produces insufficient amounts of insulin or uses it inefficiently. Diabetes can cause serious health problems like heart disease, blindness, renal failure, and amputations if it is not properly managed.
Bronze Diabetes
Bronze diabetes, also known as hemochromatosis-related diabetes, is a form of diabetes that results from hemochromatosis, a condition where the body absorbs too much iron from food. The excess iron is stored in various organs, including the pancreas, liver, and heart. In the pancreas, the iron accumulation can damage the cells that produce insulin, leading to diabetes.
The term “bronze diabetes” comes from the characteristic bronze or grayish color of the skin that some individuals with hemochromatosis develop. This skin discoloration is caused by the iron deposits in the skin. It’s important to note that not all people with hemochromatosis develop bronze diabetes, and the condition can be managed with treatment to reduce iron levels in the body. Treatment often involves regular blood removal (phlebotomy) or chelation therapy to remove excess iron. Controlling iron levels can also help manage the diabetes symptoms.
How common is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a common disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that the number of adult diabetics worldwide will rise from an estimated 422 million in 2014 to 629 million by 2045. It is estimated that 34 million Americans suffer from diabetes, with 90–95% of cases being Type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, in part due to increased rates of obesity and physical inactivity. Diabetes plays a significant role in the development of kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, blindness, and amputations of lower limbs. It is also one of the main causes of disability and mortality. Despite its great incidence, diabetes can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
Which Are the Major Diabetes Symptoms?
The signs of diabetes (sugar symptoms/diabetes in women) can vary depending on the kind of diabetes and how severe it is; nonetheless, some common signs of diabetes mellitus/diabetes in women include:
Thirst: People with diabetes often feel extremely thirsty as a result of their bodies trying to eliminate excess glucose from the blood.
Hunger: Because their bodies are unable to use glucose as an energy source, people with diabetes may feel more hungry even after eating.
Frequency of urination: Elevated blood glucose levels might cause the kidneys to work harder, leading to more frequent urination.
Unexpected weight loss: Because their bodies are unable to use glucose as an energy source, people with diabetes may lose weight for no apparent reason even though they feel more hungry.
Fatigue: Because their bodies are unable to use glucose as fuel, people with diabetes may feel lethargic and exhausted all the time.
Vision impairment: Fluid may be pulled out of the eye’s lenses as a result of elevated blood glucose levels.
Long-lasting cuts and bruises: Elevated blood sugar levels might affect blood flow and the body’s ability to heal.
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet may be a sign of nerve damage caused over time by high blood sugar.
Getting a good diagnosis from a healthcare professional is critical since these sugar symptoms, which can be signs of diabetes mellitus or diabetes in women, can also be caused by other disorders. If you have any of these sugar symptoms, it’s imperative that you get evaluated for diabetes (symptoms of diabetes mellitus). Immediate identification and treatment can prevent more serious health problems.
What Causes Diabetes?
Many factors have been identified as contributing to the development of diabetes, even if the exact etiology of the disease is still unknown. Among them are:
Genetics: Certain genetic variations may make an individual more susceptible to diabetes.
Impaired insulin secretion: People with Type 1 diabetes have an absolute lack of insulin because their immune systems assault and kill the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. People with Type 2 diabetes may not use insulin as effectively or their pancreas may not make enough of it.
Obesity: Having too much body fat, particularly around the waist, can make it difficult for the body to use insulin, which raises the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Physical inactivity: Living a sedentary lifestyle can lead to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
Unhealthy diet: A high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar diet increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Age: The risk of Type 2 diabetes increases with age.
Ethnicity: The ethnic groups most at risk of Type 2 diabetes include Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
Note that diabetes may develop as a result of other causes as well, and that a person’s risk may increase due to intricate interactions between multiple factors. Conversely, many diabetes risk factors, such as consuming a balanced diet and exercising frequently, are controllable or modifiable with lifestyle changes.
Diabetes Symptoms in Men and Women
Diabetes symptoms, also referred to as diabetic symptoms, are experienced similarly by men and women. Equally likely symptoms for both sexes include increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred eyesight. However, some research suggests that women with diabetes may also have some unique symptoms of the disease (diabetic symptoms in men), including:
Yeast infections: High blood sugar can promote yeast development and raise the possibility of recurrent yeast infections.
PCOS: Type 2 diabetes is more likely to strike women with PCOS, a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries.
Gestational diabetes: Women who are pregnant may acquire gestational diabetes, which increases their chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later on.
Keep in mind that other conditions might cause these sugar symptoms, or the symptoms of diabetes in males. For this reason, it’s critical to seek a precise diagnosis from a healthcare provider. Regardless of your gender, being examined is essential if you show any signs of diabetes, including sugar symptoms and diabetes symptoms in men. Immediate identification and treatment can prevent more serious health problems.
Diabetes Symptoms in Adults vs Children
Even though some diabetes symptoms could be more obvious in one group than another, symptoms might be comparable in both adults and children. For example, the following are some common indications of childhood diabetes:
Increased thirst and hunger: Kids with diabetes may eat more food and drink more liquids without gaining weight.
Urinating a lot: Children with diabetes may require more frequent urination, especially at night.
Fatigue: Children who have diabetes may feel worn out and find it difficult to concentrate in class.
Vision: Children with elevated blood sugar levels may have visual issues, such as impaired vision.
Long-lasting cuts and bruises: Children with diabetes may experience difficulties healing from cuts and bruises.
Adults with diabetes typically exhibit the following symptoms:
Increased thirst and hunger: Adults with diabetes may feel extremely thirsty and hungry even after eating.
Frequently urinating: Individuals with diabetes may require frequent urination, particularly at night.
Unexpected weight loss: Because their bodies are unable to use glucose as an energy source, adults with diabetes may lose weight even if they feel more hungry.
Fatigue: Because their bodies are unable to use glucose as fuel, adults with diabetes may feel lethargic and low on energy.
blurred vision: Adults with high blood sugar may have a sensation of fluid being pulled out of their lenses.
It’s important to keep in mind that other conditions can also produce these early indicators of diabetes, so receiving a precise diagnosis from a medical expert is critical. If you or your child has any diabetes-related symptoms, you should definitely be checked out. Immediate identification and treatment can prevent more serious health problems.
Symptoms of Diabetes by Body Part
Diabetic can impact different body parts, which can result in a variety of early diabetic symptoms. Typical diabetic symptoms, broken down by body part, include:
Mouth: Diabetes symptoms include frequent gum or skin infections, dry mouth, and a bitter taste in the mouth (what is diabetes symptoms/symptoms of diabetes in women).
Eyes: Diabetic symptoms include blurred vision, problems with colour vision, and fluctuating eyesight (what is diabetes symptoms/symptoms of diabetes in women).
Feet: diabetic symptoms include numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet, slow-healing cuts or bruises, and recurrent foot infections (diabetic symptoms early).
Skin: Diabetes symptoms include itchy skin, slow-healing wounds or bruises, and recurrent skin infections (what is diabetes symptoms/symptoms of diabetes in women).
Nerves: Diabetic neuropathy can include numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands or feet, as well as gastrointestinal issues and incontinence.
Heart and blood vessels: Diabetic cardiomyopathy, or early-stage diabetes symptoms, can cause symptoms such as chest pain, heart attacks, and strokes.
kidneys: Diabetic nephropathy can cause symptoms such as increased urine production, ankle or leg edoema, and elevated blood pressure.
Gastrointestinal tract: Diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea may be signs of diabetic gastroparesis (see what symptoms of diabetes are).
It is crucial to remember that other illnesses may also be the source of certain diabetic symptoms, so getting a good diagnosis from a healthcare professional is essential. It is imperative that you seek medical attention if you exhibit any signs of diabetes. A timely diagnosis and appropriate care can help avert more serious health issues.
When To Consult A Doctor or Specialist
If you experience any symptoms associated with diabetes, get a proper diagnosis from a physician. Typical diabetic symptoms, sometimes referred to as sugar symptoms, consist of:
heightened hunger and thirst
recurring urination
Unexpected weight reduction
Weary
hazy vision
Insidious wounds and contusions
Hands or feet that feel scorching, tingling, or numb
ankles or legs swelling up
Heart attack or chest pain
vomiting, diarrhoea, or nausea
It is particularly imperative that you see a doctor if you have any diabetes risk factors, such as a history of gestational diabetes, an obesity or high blood pressure profile, or a family history of the condition.
If you have any sugar-related symptoms or are at risk, you should definitely visit a doctor. Timely identification of diabetes and its proper management can help avert major health issues. A medical practitioner can take a diabetes test at home and recommend the best medicine and course of action if you suspect you may have the disease. If you have Diabetes and are looking for a consultant, you can visit Dr Zaar’s clinic in Lahore Pakistan.
What are the risk factors?
There are several risk factors associated with the development of diabetes, including:
Family history: If you have a parent or sibling who currently has diabetes, your risk of developing the disease is increased.
Being overweight: Excess weight, especially around the waist, increases the chance of developing diabetes.
Lack of exercise: Sedentary lifestyles increase the chance of developing diabetes.
Poor diet: A high sugar, processed food, and unhealthy fat intake increases the chance of developing diabetes.
Age: Diabetes is more prone to develop as you get older.
Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans are among the ethnic groups who have a higher risk of having diabetes.
History of gestational diabetes: Women who have previously experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure puts people at risk for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
abnormal cholesterol levels: Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides raise the risk of diabetes.
Diabetes: Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to develop the condition.
It’s important to keep in mind that diabetes is not a given just because you have one or more of these risk factors. It’s critical to identify your risk and implement new lifestyle practices, including as eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise, to reduce your risk. If you are concerned about your risk of acquiring diabetes, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare expert.
How Diabetes is Diagnosed?
Diabetes can be detected at any stage with a home diabetes test. A number of popular methods for diagnosing diabetes include as follows:
Blood sugar test during fasting: After an 8-hour fast, this test measures the blood’s glucose level. A blood sugar level of more than 126 mg/dL on two separate tests is considered diabetes.
Random blood sugar test: This test measures blood sugar levels at any given time, regardless of when the previous meal was had. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or greater is indicative of diabetes.
Haemoglobin A1C test: This test determines the average blood sugar level throughout the preceding two or three months. There is diabetes if the proportion is 6.5% or higher.
Oral glucose tolerance test: Blood sugar levels are checked two hours after a sugar-filled beverage is consumed. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or greater is indicative of diabetes.
Continuous glucose monitoring: This involves wearing a device that continuously measures the amount of glucose in the blood beneath the skin.
Diabetes autoantibody test: This test measures the amount of antibodies associated with type 1 diabetes in the blood.
Your healthcare professional may perform one or more of these tests to diagnose diabetes. If you have diabetes symptoms or risk factors, you should see a doctor for a complete diagnosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of diabetes can prevent serious health problems.
Treatment Of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. While individual diabetes treatments may vary, maintaining normal blood sugar levels and preventing complications are the overall goals of diabetes care. In this article, we’ll discuss the many diabetic therapies that are now accessible.
Treatments
Lifestyle modifications: One of the key goals of diabetes treatment is controlling blood sugar levels by lifestyle modifications. This means maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and making use of diabetic recipes. A diet low in processed and sugary foods and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fibre can help control blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
Drugs: Diabetes drugs are often used to control blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. The type of diabetes medicine used depends on the specific type of diabetes and the individual conditions. For those with type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is required to replace the insulin that their systems are unable to manufacture. Insulin-stimulating injectables or oral drugs that help the body better utilise insulin may be provided to people with type 2 diabetes.
Insulin therapy: It involves injecting the body with insulin to replace the insulin it isn’t producing. There are several types of insulin, such as short-, intermediate-, and long-acting types. Each person’s needs will determine the type of insulin and when to take doses. when do you need insulin therapy?
Blood sugar monitoring: Regular blood sugar testing is a crucial part of managing diabetes. People now find it simpler to check their blood sugar levels and adjust their diabetes treatment plans as needed. This could involve self-monitoring blood glucose levels at home or routine blood testing to assess blood sugar levels.
Support and education: These are crucial for the optimal management of diabetes. This could mean working with a healthcare team to develop a customised diabetes treatment plan, as well as learning how to check blood sugar levels and recognise the warning symptoms of high or low blood sugar.
Summary
Diabetes is treated using a mix of insulin therapy, drugs, lifestyle modifications, blood sugar monitoring, education, and support. Working with a healthcare team to develop a tailored diabetes treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments is essential. Two benefits of good diabetes care include reducing complications and enhancing quality of life. Find out more about the definition and causes of diabetes.
Diabetes Treatment at Home with Lifestyle Changes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterised by high blood sugar levels brought on by ineffective insulin synthesis or utilisation by the body. Although diabetes need medical attention, there are a variety of at-home diabetic therapies and lifestyle modifications that can improve overall health and blood sugar control. In this blog, we’ll discuss several useful at-home diabetic treatments as well as lifestyle tips for managing diabetes.
Diabetes Treatment at Home
Keep up a healthy diet: Diabetes management calls for a healthy diet regimen. A diet low in processed and sugary foods and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fibre can help control blood sugar levels. meals high in protein include lean meat, fish, and beans; meals high in trans and saturated fats should be consumed in moderation.
Regular exercise: It’s important for diabetics to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and decreases blood sugar. It can also improve overall health, reduce stress, and help with weight management. Strive for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, most days of the week.
Keep yourself hydrated: Eating a lot of water and keeping yourself well hydrated are essential for treating diabetes. Dehydration can affect blood sugar levels and cause other issues. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day and avoid sugar-filled beverages.
Get adequate sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for managing diabetes. Lack of sleep can have an effect on blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
Reduce your stress: Stress can affect blood sugar levels and make managing diabetes more difficult. It’s imperative to manage stress through the use of calming techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. Engaging in fun hobbies such as reading, spending time with loved ones, or listening to music can also help reduce stress levels.
Utilise natural remedies: Many natural home remedies for diabetes have been found to help with its management. These include herbs like fenugreek, cinnamon, and bitter melon that have been shown to lower blood sugar levels. It has also been demonstrated that taking chromium supplements improves insulin sensitivity.
What level of blood glucose should I be at?
The ideal blood glucose level depends on a number of variables, including the time of day, the type of test, and the patient’s health. The following blood glucose values are typically seen to be normal:
The range of fasting blood sugar following an 8-hour fast is 70–99 mg/dL.
Random blood sugar range: 70–149 mg/dL
Haemoglobin A1C, or the average blood sugar over the preceding two to three months, is less than 5.7%.
70–130 mg/dL before eating
< 180 mg/dL one to two hours after eating
It’s important to keep in mind that these ranges may vary slightly depending on the test’s laboratory and methodology. Your particular blood glucose objectives should be discussed with your healthcare provider because they may change based on your condition and course of treatment. It’s also essential to check your blood glucose levels frequently to ensure that they remain within a healthy range.
FAQs
Can symptoms appear overnight?
Yes, in some circumstances, diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly. This is often seen in people with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that results in the destruction of the pancreatic cells that make insulin. As a result, the body is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and a range of unexpected symptoms.
Among the symptoms linked to type 1 diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and recurrent infections. If you experience any of these symptoms out of the blue, you should seek medical attention immediately because type 1 diabetes is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Conversely, the more common type of diabetes, type 2, usually develops symptoms gradually over time as the body becomes less receptive to insulin. Even so, diabetes symptoms can sometimes still appear suddenly, especially in people with co-occurring risk factors.
What are the common and early signs and symptoms of diabetes?
Early diabetes symptoms and indicators, sometimes referred to as diabetes symptoms or signs and symptoms, can be subtle and mistaken for other medical disorders. However, recognising these signs and symptoms of diabetes and getting a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible can help prevent serious complications and improve quality of life. The following list of symptoms and early warning signs of diabetes (what symptoms of diabetes):
Increased thirst: Excessive thirst is one of the first and most common symptoms of diabetes (see signs and symptoms of diabetes/what symptoms of diabetes). It happens when the body tries to get rid of extra sugar by drinking more fluids.
Urination frequently: As your body tries to rid itself of excess sugar, you may notice that you need to use the loo frequently.
Increased hunger: High blood sugar levels can cause you to feel hungry all the time, even after eating.
Fatigue: High blood sugar levels can make the body feel drained and lethargic.
Vision blurring: Changes in blood sugar levels can have an impact on the fluid levels in the eyes, leading to changes in vision.
Long-term wounds or infections: The body may find it more difficult to fight off infections and heal from wounds if blood sugar levels are high.
Unexplained weight loss: Because their bodies are unable to use and store glucose correctly, people with diabetes may experience sudden and inexplicable weight loss despite feeling more hungry.
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, causing tingling or numbness in the limbs.
Which complications can arise from diabetes?
Untreated or inadequately managed diabetes can have a number of harmful side effects, including:
Cardiovascular disease: Diabetes increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, and elevated blood pressure.
Neuropathy, which is characterised by nerve damage that causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the extremities, can be brought on by hyperglycemia.
Nephropathy: When diabetes damages the kidneys, renal failure may occur, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the eyes brought on by diabetes may lead to blindness or vision loss.
Foot problems: High blood sugar can reduce blood flow to the feet and lead to infections or ulcers that may require amputation.
Dental problems: Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Skin problems: Diabetes can lead to a variety of skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.
Mental health problems: Stress is a direct result of diabetes, and stress increases the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.