Diabetes: Symptoms, Alternative Medications and Treatment

The symptoms depend on how significant the increase in blood sugar is. In type 1 diabetes symptoms tend to be more severe and come on more quickly. The following symptoms are typical of both types of disease:

10 signs:

• Increased feeling of thirst,
• frequent urination,
• weight loss for no apparent reason,
• the presence of ketone bodies in the urine,
• increased fatigue,
• feeling weak,
• irritability,
• mood swings,
• poor wound healing,
• frequent infections (for example, of the skin or gums). ^[1]

Manifestations by type of diabetes

In type 1 diabetes a pronounced feeling of hunger may also appear. Diabetes in children brings the pitfall of bedwetting, even though the child did not have a problem with it before. ^[2]

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by more frequent nocturnal urination, blurred vision and loss of muscle mass.

Symptoms in women also include frequent vaginal infections. Symptoms in men include itching and burning in the genital area caused by a yeast infection. ^[3]

Diabetes – what is it?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease in which blood sugar levels rise. There are different types – the most common is  type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes (popularly known as diabetes of old age), and gestational diabetes. ^[4]

The main risk factors for the development include:

Type 1 diabetes

• Heredity (parents or siblings),
• environmental factors,
• geographical factors (higher incidence in countries further from the equator). ^[7]

Type 2 diabetes

• Obesity,
• unhealthy lifestyle and lack of exercise,
• higher age,
• heredity. ^[8]

In addition to the aforementioned type 1 and 2 diabetes, there is also gestational diabetes. This type occurs only in pregnancy, is not related to any previous medical condition and usually resolves after childbirth. Pregnancy diabetes is usually detected through an examination, which is carried out on pregnant women around the 24^th week of pregnancy. ^[9]

Women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life. ^[10]

A less common type is LADA (an abbreviation of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults). In some ways, it’s similar to type 1 diabetes (occurs in response to autoimmune inflammation), but develops more slowly. In other ways, it’s more like type 2 diabetes Experts are therefore dedicated to further research into this type of diabetes. ^[11],[12]

• Worldwide, more than 500 million people are living with diabetes. Experts estimate that by 2045, one in eight people will have it.
• More than 90% of diabetics have type 2 diabetes, in which prevention and a healthy lifestyle play a very important role. ^[17]

The treatment depends on the type of disease and your overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy lifestyle is a key part of treatment.

Treatment of type 1 diabetes involves the administration of insulin in the form of injections or via an insulin pump. Patients need to check their blood sugar levels regularly.

In the treatment of type 2 diabetes patients take insulin, antidiabetic drugs in tablets or a combination of both. Treatment includes blood sugar monitoring and lifestyle modification. ^[19]

Regular glycaemic control (blood sugar) is part of every diabetic’s life. Sugar levels are measured four times, or often more, a day. Patients with type 2 diabetes who do not take insulin may check their sugar less frequently.

Careful monitoring of blood glucose is the only way to make sure that blood sugar levels are adequate. A glucometer (popularly known as a sugar meter) is commonly used for monitoring. It is a small device that requires small sterile needles (lancets) and blood sugar test strips. Checking your blood glucose with a finger prick is a matter of a few dozen seconds.

Some patients may benefit from continuous blood glucose monitoring. A waterproof blood sugar sensor, shaped like a small wheel, is worn on the back of the arm and continuously monitors and stores readings. One of the systems used is FreeStyle Libre. Thanks to the sensor, patients do not have to use a conventional glucose meter, which requires repeated finger pricks.

• Even with careful glucose monitoring, unpredictable changes in blood sugar levels can occur.
• Diabetics therefore need to learn what can affect glycaemia.
• Blood sugar levels are affected not only by the food you eat, but also by physical activity, illness, medication, alcohol and stress.

Diabetics have many different types of insulin available (fast, medium and long-acting insulins). Each group of insulins has different properties, different principles of use and application. The appropriate choice of insulin belongs to the attending physician, who takes into account all factors and the needs of the patient.

• Insulin cannot be taken in tablet form due to the action of stomach enzymes.
• A syringe with a needle, insulin pen or insulin pump is used to administer insulin. ^[20]

An insulin pump is a device that delivers insulin to diabetics. It is a small “box” with an insulin reservoir and a tube that delivers insulin into a cannula placed under the patient’s skin. The patient must have the pump on their body at all times to receive programmed or manually adjusted doses of insulin. Although technology is advancing rapidly and pumps have more and more features, patients need to take care of them on an ongoing basis. ^[21]

Tip: Insulin cooler bag – when travelling, it is necessary to protect the insulin from heat.

Preventive measures play crucial role in type 2 diabetes. In the case of type 1 diabetes. it is not preventable as it is an autoimmune disease with a significant hereditary component.

How to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

• Eat healthily, for example, take inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine.
• Don’t forget fibre, which helps with lowering blood sugar.
• Be active and move at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
• Maintain a good body weight.
• Limit or completely omit alcohol.
• Make sure you get a good night’s sleep.
• Stop smoking.
• If you have medications for cardiovascular disease, take them exactly as recommended by your doctor. ^[22]

A healthy and regular diet plays a vital role.

• Foods that have a good nutritional value, contain plenty of fibre and a small amount of fat or sugar are recommended.
• The diet should include plenty of vegetables, good quality protein and wholemeal bread.
• Diabetics should eat reasonably sized portions and keep regular intervals between meals.

It is advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist about the exact composition of your diet, especially if you are just becoming familiar with diabetes. With expert guidance, you will better understand the relationship between diet and blood sugar and learn how to properly structure your daily diet. ^[23]

Banana – diabetics often wonder if they can eat bananas. It is a healthy fruit containing fibre, vitamins and minerals, but also a significant amount of sugar. Therefore, be cautious about the size and ripeness of the banana (the riper the piece, the more sugar). ^[24]

Potatoes – a similar recommendation applies to potatoes. While diabetics can include them in their diet, larger amounts can raise blood sugar excessively. Potatoes should be combined with other ingredients that do not contain sugar. If you are unsure about your diet, it is advisable to consult your doctor. ^[25]

Herbs – dandelion leaves help lower blood sugar.

A large number of patients are treated for diabetes, and there are many different professional societies, patient organisations and associations dedicated to this diagnosis.

• Specialist societies are dedicated to improving the expertise of doctors, supporting scientific activity, developing diagnostic procedures and educating the general public and patients. In the Czech Republic, for example, the Czech Diabetes Society. Other companies operate at European or global level. ^[26]
• Patient organisations defend the interests of patients, help them to integrate into a normal active life and educate the public about diabetes. For example, the Association of Diabetics of the Czech Republic is active in the Czech Republic. ^[27]