Diabetes is a lifestyle-related disease. It is said that one in six people now has diabetes, including those at risk. Japanese people are said to be inherently prone to diabetes, and even thin people can develop it
Here we will explain the symptoms, causes, and complications of diabetes
If you are currently undergoing diabetes treatment or are interested in learning more about diabetes, please read this article
table of contents
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which insulin (a hormone secreted by the pancreas) does not function properly, resulting in an increase in glucose (blood sugar)
In normal people, insulin works to keep glucose levels constant
On the other hand, when you have diabetes, your glucose levels exceed normal levels, increasing the risk of various symptoms and complications
Main symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes has many different symptoms. The main symptoms are as follows:
- Get tired easily
- Blurred vision
- Dry skin
- lose weight
- Frequent urination
- thirsty
- Feeling hungry
- Cuts and wounds are difficult to heal
Please use this as a guide to help you decide whether or not you have diabetes
If you are concerned about your symptoms, get tested for diabetes
Types and causes of diabetes
There are four main types of diabetes
We will explain each one in detail
[Type of Diabetes ①] Type 1 Diabetes
This is a disease in which the pancreas produces very little or no insulin, and it is a disease that is mainly common among young people
The main cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown even to modern medicine
It is believed to occur when pancreatic cells are destroyed for some reason, preventing the body from producing insulin
[Type of Diabetes ②] Type 2 Diabetes
This is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, making it unable to regulate blood sugar levels (insulin resistance). It is a disease that is mainly common in middle-aged and elderly people over 40 years old
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetesIn the United States9 out of 10 people with diabetesIt is believed that most Japanese people are type 2
The main causes are genetic factors, lack of exercise, overeating, and obesity
Treatment involves proper exercise and diet, as well as medication and insulin injections
[Type 3 of diabetes] Other specific mechanisms or diseases
Medications or diseases other than diabetes can cause blood sugar levels to rise and lead to diabetes
[Type of Diabetes 4] Gestational Diabetes
This condition is first detected during pregnancy and results in "high blood sugar levels but not enough to develop into diabetes."
During pregnancy, hormones produced by the placenta suppress the function of insulin, resulting in insufficient insulin production and rising blood sugar levels
Sugar is an important nutrient for babies. Too little or too much can affect growth. Proper blood sugar management is essential to ensure the safe growth of your baby
The three major complications of diabetes
Diabetes has three major complications known as the "three major complications of diabetes."
We will explain each one in detail
[The Three Major Complications of Diabetes ①] Diabetic Retinopathy
This is a condition in which blood flow to the retina is reduced, causing blurred vision and decreased vision
If the condition progresses, there is a risk of blindness in the worst case scenario
[The 3 Major Complications of Diabetes ②] Diabetic Nephropathy
This is a disease in which kidney function deteriorates, causing symptoms such as high blood pressure and swelling of the body
As the condition progresses, waste products accumulate in the blood, causing symptoms such as uremia and kidney failure
[3rd major complication of diabetes] Diabetic neuropathy
This is a disease in which blood flow to the nerves and around them is reduced, causing numbness and pain in the hands and feet
Your feet may go numb and, in the worst case scenario, your toes may rot
Diabetes testing
We will explain four tests used to diagnose diabetes
If you think you may have diabetes, we recommend that you get tested
[Tests for diagnosing diabetes ①] HbA1C test
HbA1C is an item that indicates how much sugar is contained in all hemoglobin (a type of protein in red blood cells)
HbA1C reflects blood glucose levels from one to two months ago and is not affected by the blood glucose level at the time of the test. Generally, a HbA1C value of 6.5% or higher is considered diabetes
[Test for diagnosing diabetes ②] Early morning fasting blood glucose test
This test measures blood sugar levels before breakfast. Generally, a blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher is considered diabetes
[Test for diagnosing diabetes ③] 75g OGTT (75g oral glucose tolerance test)
After measuring your fasting blood sugar in the early morning, you drink 75g of glucose solution, then measure your blood sugar 30, 60, and 120 minutes later
Generally, a 75g OGTT value of 200mg/dL or higher after 120 minutes is considered to be a diagnosis of diabetes
[Tests for diagnosing diabetes ④] Random blood glucose test
This test measures blood sugar levels regardless of mealtime. Generally, a blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher is considered diabetes
Diabetes diagnostic criteria
Diabetes can generally be diagnosed based on the following criteria:
Diabetes is diagnosed if condition ① is met, or if condition ②, ③, or ④ is met
Below are the detailed diagnostic criteria. Please be aware of them
①HbA1C is 6.5% or higher
②Early morning fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher
3) 75g glucose intake and 120 minutes later, the 75g OGTT value is 200mg/dL or more
4. Random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher
summary
In this article, we will explain the symptoms, causes, and complications of diabetes
Diabetes is one of the diseases that modern people are prone to develop
The main symptoms of diabetes include fatigue, frequent urination, hunger and thirst
The main treatments are medication, insulin injections, proper diet and exercise
There are many different types of diabetes and many different complications
If not treated early, the condition may worsen and become severe
If you have any of the main symptoms of diabetes, you are at risk of developing the disease. Before the condition worsens, get the appropriate tests and see a doctor for a diagnosis. If you are currently undergoing treatment for diabetes, be sure to face the disease head-on and continue your treatment
On the other hand, advances are being made in the technology of "regenerative medicine," which utilizes autologous stem cells to provide treatment while reducing the burden on the body, so it is recommended for those suffering from diabetes or who want to prevent it
Omotesando Helene Clinic specializes in regenerative medicine that does not place a burden on the body, and has acquired the "GCR: Global Clinic Rating Certification", which is a proof that it exceeds international standards.
If you are having trouble, please feel free to contact us
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[Regenerative Medicine Outpatient] 03-3400-2277
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