Diabetes and its types
According to Dr. Salwa Nassif Azar, diabetes is a chronic health condition that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. This is usually done by a hormone called insulin , which helps move sugar from the blood into the cells to be used as a source of energy. If the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to it properly, blood sugar levels rise, leading to diabetes.
The endocrinologist and diabetes specialist adds that there are several types of diabetes, which can be summarized as follows:
Type 1 diabetes: This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Patients with this condition need to take insulin constantly.
Type 2 diabetes: This is the most common type, and is usually related to eating habits, genetics, and lifestyle. This type occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough of it.
Gestational diabetes: It appears during pregnancy and may disappear after birth, but it increases the risk of the mother and child developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Important tests for diabetics
Returning to the topic of our article today, Dr. Salwa Nassif Azar points out that diabetic patients are advised to undergo some periodic examinations to monitor the condition and reduce the risk of complications , including:
HbA1c test: This measures the average blood sugar level over the past three months.
Blood pressure measurement: to ensure that there is no increase, as diabetics are more susceptible to high blood pressure.
Kidney tests: such as a urine albumin test, to assess kidney health.
Eye examination: to monitor any changes in the retina that may lead to visual complications.
Foot examination: to detect any injuries or ulcers, as a diabetic patient may lose sensation in his feet, which increases the possibility of injuries.
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels: to monitor cardiovascular health.
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