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Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world. It can go undetected for many years until symptoms begin to appear and health problems begin to appear.

What is diabetes?

• The body converts most of the food you eat into energy. It does this by converting food into glucose (sugar) and releasing it into the bloodstream. Immediately, the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which acts as a key to allowing blood sugar to enter cells to be used as energy.
• When the body doesn't produce enough insulin, or when insulin malfunctions, and when the body's cells stop responding to insulin, sugar remains in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar, a condition known as diabetes.
• As a result of high blood sugar, serious health problems occur if blood sugar levels are not controlled.

Types of Diabetes:
There are three main types of diabetes:

● Type 1 diabetes: Approximately 5-10% of people with type 1 diabetes suffer from it, and it affects children, adolescents, and young adults. Type 1 diabetes results from the body's immune system attacking it (autoimmune disease). The pancreas stops producing enough insulin, preventing the body's cells from receiving the energy they need to function properly. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes develop quickly and may be accompanied by other health problems and complications. Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

● Type 2 diabetes: Approximately 90-95% of people with type 2 diabetes suffer from it. Type 2 occurs when the body's cells don't respond normally to insulin. This is called insulin resistance, which is when the pancreas produces more insulin to try to get the cells to respond, leading to high blood sugar levels. This type of diabetes requires treatment with medication and dietary changes.

● Gestational diabetes: High blood sugar occurs in pregnant women who have never been diagnosed with diabetes.Gestational diabetes usually goes away after delivery. However, it puts you at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on, so caution and preventative measures should be followed.

Tests Required to Diagnose Diabetes:
To confirm a diagnosis of diabetes, the doctor requires some laboratory tests to determine the appropriate treatment for the patient based on the type of diabetes and blood sugar levels.

Laboratory Tests for Diabetes:

●   A1C: Measures the average blood sugar level over the past three months.
●   Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.
●   Percent Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS): Measures blood sugar levels two hours after a meal.
●   Random Blood Sugar (RBS): Measures blood sugar levels at the time of the test and does not require fasting.

Complications of Diabetes:
Ignoring high blood sugar levels for years can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, we recommend regular follow-up with your doctor and taking your medications regularly to avoid complications and other problems.

Complications of Diabetes include:

● Diabetic coma.
● Damage to blood vessels, resulting in decreased blood flow to all organs.
● Loss of sensation in some extremities and peripheral neuropathy.
● Retinopathy.
● Diabetic foot.
● Elevated kidney function.
● Heart attacks.

Preventing diabetes complications:

1. Be a diabetes-friendly person by receiving medical education from your doctor and taking your medications regularly.
2. Make sure to visit your doctor regularly and have lab tests done.
3. Make sure to exercise, such as walking daily.
4. Follow a healthy diet according to your doctor's plan.
5. Stop smoking.
6. Maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
7. Make sure to have regular checkups of your retina, feet, and peripheral nerves.