Diabetes most people may have heard the word in the news or medical media. Also, diabetes is a common disease. According to the WHO(World Health Organization), diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which leads to severe damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves over time. Genetics and environment play a significant role in the development of diabetes. 

People with diabetes in their families should take good care of them because they are more likely to develop diabetes than others. Environmental factors that can cause diabetes include obesity, old age, stress, pregnancy, infection, and drug use. Diabetes is divided into type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include frequent urination, thirst, persistent hunger, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to those of type 1 diabetes but less pronounced. As diabetes progresses, the duration of treatment increases proportionally, so it is recommended to start treatment within three months as soon as you feel the initial symptoms of diabetes. 

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To prevent diabetes, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, avoiding smoking, blood pressure, and lipid control are required, and it is essential to make an early diagnosis. In the case of treatment, insulin treatment is required for type 1 diabetes. In the case of type 2 diabetes, lifestyle correction is the basis, and additional drug administration may be required. In the case of taking drugs, they are taken once to three times a day, and the time and side effects of taking them vary slightly depending on the time of action of the drug. 

One of the reasons why diabetes is scary is that most of the body is prone to complications, from cardiovascular disease to vision loss, kidney disease, and skin necrosis. Therefore, people with diabetes in their families are more likely to develop diabetes, so it is important to take better care of yourself.

Resource:

https://www.who.int/ , Medical information at Seoul National University Hospital

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