
Red Flags : A warning signs At Risk Of diabetes mellitus
Learn about the warning signs of prediabetes and how fasting, including intermittent fasting and Islamic fasting, can help prevent diabetes. Discover the importance of early screening, maintaining ...
GENERAL DIABETES
Dr Hassan Al Warraqi
6/9/202410 min read
A warning_sign of diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a disorder related to a lack of insulin production or the body's inability to use it effectively.
Diabetes can be divided into two main types: type 1 and type 2. Here's an introduction to each type:
1. Type 1 diabetes:
Also known as “type 1 diabetes” or “juvenile diabetes.”
It is caused by a lack of insulin production in the pancreas.
It appears suddenly at an early age, often in childhood or adolescence
The body's immunity to beta cells in the pancreas is responsible for destroying insulin-producing cells.
Signs and symptoms:
Increased thirst and hunger.
Rapid weight loss.
Frequent urination.
Fatigue and tiredness.
treatment:
Injecting insulin daily to compensate for insulin deficiency.
2. Type 2 diabetes:
Also known as “type 2 diabetes” or “insulin-resistant diabetes.”
It is caused by insulin resistance and/or lack of insulin production.
It usually appears at puberty or after the age of forty.
It may be related to genetic factors and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Signs and symptoms:
Increased thirst and hunger.
Increase in weight.
Fatigue and muscle weakness.
Frequent urination.
treatment:
Lifestyle modification (proper nutrition and physical activity).
Oral medications or insulin injections if needed.
There may be warning signs and symptoms that indicate the possibility of diabetes,
Here are some introductions and warning signs that the body may send before developing diabetes:
Excessive thirst and hunger:
Constant increased thirst and hunger may be a sign of increased blood sugar levels.
Unexplained weight loss:
If you're losing weight for no apparent reason, this may be an indicator of problems with your body's use of sugar.
Increased urination:
Increased frequency of urination, especially at night, may be the result of increased blood sugar levels.
Fatigue and tiredness:
Constant fatigue and exhaustion may be a sign that the body is unable to use sugar effectively for energy.
Vision changes:
Changes in vision may occur as a result of the effect of high blood sugar on the lens in the eye.
Swelling of extremities:
Feeling numbness or tingling in
the extremities, especially the feet,
may indicate problems with the
blood vessels resulting from high
sugar levels.
Wounds that struggle to heal:
Slow healing of wounds or skin can be an indication of problems with body functions due to high sugar levels.
Risk factors are not completely known, but there are some genetic and environmental factors that may play a role: obesity, little physical activity, and unhealthy nutrition.
Complications of diabetes
If diabetes is not controlled, it can lead to serious complications, including:
Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.
Kidney disease, such as kidney failure.
Eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness.
Nerve diseases, such as diabetic neuropathy, which can lead to pain and weakness.
Problems with wound healing.
Ways to prevent diabetes
There is no cure for diabetes, but there are ways in which it can be prevented or delayed:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise regularly.
Eat a healthy diet.
Quit Smoking.
Control blood pressure.
Cholesterol control.
Early skin signs of diabetes
There are a number of skin signs that can be indicative of the onset of diabetes, including:
Dark spots: Dark spots may appear on the neck, armpits, or thighs, and this condition is called diabetic dermopathy.
Fungal infections: People with diabetes may be more susceptible to fungal infections, such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
Wounds that are slow to heal: People with diabetes may have difficulty healing wounds, which can lead to infection.
Skin rash: People with diabetes may develop different types of skin rashes, such as pool syndrome or seborrheic dermatitis.
Skin tags: People with diabetes may develop a larger number of skin tags, also known as skin lesions.
How to recognize early skin signs of diabetes
The importance of early screening for diabetes
Early screening for diabetes
is important, as it can help
prevent serious complications.
If diabetes is diagnosed early,
blood sugar levels can be
controlled, reducing the risk of
complications such as heart disease
stroke, kidney failure and blindness.
Diabetes and fasting
Fasting is abstaining from food
and drink for a specific period of
time. Fasting may be optional,
or it may be necessary
For healthy people, fasting can be safe if done correctly.
However, fasting can be dangerous for people with diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are not effectively controlled.
Risks of fasting for diabetics
Fasting can cause blood sugar levels to drop in people with diabetes, which may lead to hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia is a serious condition that can cause confusion, paralysis, coma, and even death.
The risks of fasting for diabetics include:
Low blood sugar levels
High blood sugar levels
Increased risk of ketoacidosis
Increased risk of diabetes complications
Tips for diabetics who fast
Intermittent fasting or Islamic fasting is a must for diabetics
key words
Prediabetes, fasting, intermittent fasting, Islamic fasting, early screening, complications of diabetes, early skin signs, complications of diabetes,signs , symptoms , all systems,Maintain a healthy weight,
Exercise regularly,Eat a healthy diet,Quit Smoking,Control blood pressure,Cholesterol control,
Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Complications and Prevention
This document discusses the different types of diabetes, its causes, symptoms, potential complications, and prevention methods.
The sources emphasize the importance of early detection and effective management of the disease to avoid serious complications.
Symptoms:
General symptoms:
Frequent urination, especially at night: "Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night".
Extreme thirst: "Are very thirsty".
Unexplained weight loss: "Lose weight without trying".
Extreme hunger: "Are very hungry".
Blurred vision: "Have blurry vision".
Numbness or tingling hands or feet: "Have numb or tingling hands or feet".
Feeling very tired and exhausted: "Feel very tired".
Dry skin: "Have very dry skin".
Slow wound healing: "Have sores that heal slowly".
Frequent infections: "Have more infections than usual".
Symptoms specific to each type
Type 1
Symptoms appear quickly and can be severe: "Symptoms can develop in just a few weeks or months and can be severe." They may also include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Type 2
Symptoms develop slowly over years, and some people may not notice them: "Type 2 diabetes symptoms often take several years to develop. Some people don't notice any symptoms at all."
Gestational diabetes: Usually no symptoms, and should be tested between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.
Early skin symptoms: May include dark patches on the neck, armpits, and groin (diabetic dermopathy), fungal infections, slow wound healing, rashes, and skin tags.
Causes:
Insulin deficiency or insulin resistance: "Diabetes is a disorder related to a lack of insulin production or the body's inability to use it effectively."
Genetic and environmental factors: "Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be caused by a combination of genetic or environmental factors."
Risk factors:
Family history of diabetes.
Being overweight or obese: "Prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes are more common in people who are overweight or obese."
Lack of physical activity.
Race or ethnicity (people of African, Latino, Native American, and Asian descent).
Having autoantibodies in the blood (in the case of type 1 diabetes).
Complications:
Cardiovascular disease: "Diabetes majorly increases the risk of many heart problems... If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have heart disease or stroke."
Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy): "Too much sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish the nerves... This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain."
Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy): "Diabetes can damage this delicate filtering system."
Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy): "Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the eye. This could lead to blindness."
Foot problems: "Nerve damage in the feet or poor blood flow to the feet increases the risk of many foot complications."
Skin and mouth problems: "Diabetes may leave you more prone to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections."
Hearing loss: "Hearing problems are more common in people with diabetes."
Alzheimer's disease: "Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease."
Depression: "Depression symptoms are common in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes."
Prevention:
Eat a healthy diet: "Eat healthy foods. Choose foods lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains."
Get regular physical activity: "Try to get about 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity on most days of the week."
Maintain a healthy weight: "If you're overweight, losing even 7% of your body weight can lower the risk of diabetes."
Quit smoking
Control your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Get regular checkups:
"Even if you don't have any symptoms, you should have screening for diabetes at your annual check-up."
Fasting and diabetes:
Fasting can be dangerous for people with diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are not effectively controlled.
Risks include low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), increased risk of ketoacidosis, and increased risk of diabetes complications.
Bottom line
Diabetes is a serious condition that requires careful attention and management.
Early detection, prevention, and a healthy lifestyle are key to reducing the risks associated with the disease.
Frequently asked questions about diabetes FAQS
What are the common symptoms of diabetes, and how do they differ between type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes?
Common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination (especially at night), extreme thirst, unexplained weight loss, excessive hunger, blurred vision, tiredness and fatigue, slow wound healing, increased susceptibility to infection, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and dry skin.
Type 1: Symptoms appear quickly, within a few weeks or months, and are severe. They may also include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Type 2: Symptoms develop slowly over many years. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all.
Gestational diabetes: Usually causes no symptoms.
A check-up is recommended between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.
What are the main causes of diabetes, and how do insulin and glucose work in the body?
The main causes of diabetes vary depending on the type, but in all cases, excess sugar builds up in the blood.
Insulin: A hormone produced by
Pancreas. Allows sugar to enter cells to be used as an energy source.
Glucose: The main energy source for cells. It comes from food and the liver.
The liver stores glucose and releases it when needed to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range.
When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot use insulin effectively, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to diabetes.
There may be genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the disease.
What are the risk factors that increase the chances of developing diabetes?
Risk factors depend on the type of diabetes. Some common factors include:
Family history: Having relatives with diabetes.
Being overweight or obese: Increases the risk of developing type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Race or ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups (such as blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans) are at higher risk of developing type 2.
Lack of physical activity.
High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol.
What are the potential complications of uncontrolled diabetes, and how can they be prevented?
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious, long-term complications, such as:
Cardiovascular disease: including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, and hardening of the arteries.
Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy): causes numbness, tingling, and pain, especially in the feet.
Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy): can lead to kidney failure.
Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy): can lead to blindness.
Foot problems: increased risk of infections and ulcers that may lead to amputation.
Skin and mouth problems: increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections.
Hearing loss.
Alzheimer's disease.
Depression
Prevention: Some types of diabetes (such as type 2 and gestational diabetes) can be prevented by:
Eating a healthy diet: rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in fat and calories.
Exercising regularly: about 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise most days of the week.
Losing excess weight: Even losing a small amount of weight can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
What are the early skin signs that may indicate diabetes?
Early skin signs may include:
Dark spots: on the neck, armpits, and groin (diabetic dermopathy).
Fungal infections: such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
Slow-healing wounds.
Rash.
Skin tags: an increase in the number of skin tags.
Why is early detection of diabetes important, and what tests are recommended?
Early detection is important because it allows treatment to begin early, reducing the risk of serious complications.
Recommended tests include:
Fasting blood sugar test (FBS): measures your blood sugar level after not eating for at least 8 hours.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): measures your blood sugar level after drinking a sugar solution. It is often used to diagnose gestational diabetes.
Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test: Measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
Regular screening is recommended for people over 45 years of age or with other risk factors.
How can fasting affect people with diabetes, and what precautions should be taken?
Fasting can be dangerous for people with diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are not well controlled.
Fasting can lead to:
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia): A serious condition that can cause confusion, paralysis, coma, and even death.
High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
Increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Increased risk of diabetes complications.
People with diabetes should consult a doctor before fasting to assess their risks and adjust treatment if necessary.
What are the basic tips for preventing diabetes and maintaining good health?
Basic tips for preventing diabetes and maintaining good health include:
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Exercising regularly.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Quit smoking.
Control blood pressure and cholesterol.
Regular self-monitoring.
Have annual diabetes checkups.






















