Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition characterized by the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin or effectively utilize the insulin it produces. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, which serve as a vital energy source for the brain, muscles, and tissues. Consequently, diabetes can significantly impact overall health.

Causes of Diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition often starting in childhood, lacks clear-cut causes. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes, predominant in adults, has uncertain origins but involves genetic and environmental factors. While obesity elevates the risk of Type 2 diabetes, the disease isn’t exclusive to overweight individuals. Other risk factors include inactivity, family history, age, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes:

Symptoms can be initially mild, but early detection and treatment are crucial. Common signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, fatigue, slow healing of cuts and bruises, pain or numbness in extremities, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and susceptibility to frequent infections.

How is Diabetes Treated?

While diabetes has no cure, it can be effectively managed through various treatments:

  • Physiotherapy: Offers exercise programs, education, and nutrition counseling to reduce body fat, alleviate symptoms, and enhance glucose processing.
  • Medications: Aimed at boosting insulin production, reducing resistance, and controlling glucose release from the liver.
  • Insulin: Administered through injections or pumps to regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Compression Therapy: Utilizing socks and stockings to mitigate swelling and circulation issues related to diabetes.

Physiotherapy for Diabetes:

Activa Clinics’ physiotherapists offer a comprehensive array of therapies and services to treat diabetes and alleviate associated symptoms. Customized diabetes management plans may include personalized exercises, nutritional counseling, weight loss programs, aqua therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, compression socks, stockings, and mental health therapy.

Preventing Diabetes:

  • Dietary Choices: Avoid sugar and refined carbs, switch to water as the primary beverage.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Incorporate regular exercise and quit smoking.

For those suspecting diabetes, prompt action is vital. Blood glucose tests can diagnose the condition and guide appropriate treatment, potentially reversing prediabetes.