Introduction
Diabetes is a common concern worldwide due to its ill effects on health. The condition has been prevalent over several decades and has affected millions of people. It is a serious condition if left untreated. Various advancements have been developed in diabetes technology to monitor glucose levels and aid in prompt treatment, to enhance the lifestyle of an individual.
What Is Diabetes?
Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose obtained by the body and are a great source of energy. The glucose is distributed to various body parts via the blood, which acts as a mode of transportation. In order to reach the target cell, glucose may need the help of insulin, a hormone.
So over time, when the blood sugar or glucose levels of an individual are extremely high, then the individual is categorized as a diabetic patient. The condition occurs due to the inability of the pancreas to secrete sufficient insulin. In other cases, it could also be due to the negative response or no response of the body towards insulin secretion. Diabetes can occur at any age and may cause a huge impact on the daily lifestyle of an individual. Most forms of diabetes are usually manageable with lifestyle changes and medications. Diabetes is a common condition that affects over 30 million people in the United States of America. And the predicted rise is approximately 643 million by the year 2030.
What Are the Types of Diabetes?
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Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells. So people with this type require insulin all their life.
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In type 2, the most common reason is insulin resistance. It can be managed with oral medications and lifestyle modifications.
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Gestational diabetes usually develops in pregnant mothers, and have a higher risk of developing type 2 in later stages of life.
Who Is at Risk of Diabetes?
The following people may be at a greater risk for diabetes:
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Obesity or overweight individuals is highly susceptible to type 2.
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A family history of diabetes could be another reason that may risk the life of individuals.
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Lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle could be associated with increased risk for diabetes.
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An unhealthy diet with major consumption of carbohydrates.
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High blood pressure.
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Age and ethnicity of the individual.
What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Diabetes?
The large volume of glucose in blood circulation causes diabetes. However, the cause of blood sugar levels depends on the type of diabetes, some of which are listed below:
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The most common type of diabetes is type 2, which is due to insulin resistance. This occurs when the cells in the muscles or fat do not exhibit any response to insulin. Various factors contribute to the degree of insulin resistance, like obesity, lack of exercise, diet, and hormonal imbalance.
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In some cases, the immune system attacks the insulin-secreting cells in the body.
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Also, hormonal imbalances during pregnancy can release hormones that cause insulin resistance. If the body is unable to overcome insulin resistance, it may result in gestational diabetes. Physical damage to the pancreas could affect the ability to make insulin. Certain genetic mutations causes neonatal diabetes.
The symptoms of diabetes commonly noticed in patients are mentioned below:
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Dry mouth or xerostomia.
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Frequent urination.
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Blurred vision.
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Fatigue or tiredness.
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Frequent skin infections.
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Poor wound healing.
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Increased thirst or polydipsia.
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Unexplained weight loss.
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Numbness of feet.
In some cases, the symptoms may worsen and result in diabetes ketoacidosis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.
What Is a Modern Advancement in Diabetes Technology?
Diabetes is a curable disease if treated properly. There have been various advancements in diabetes technology. One of the modern advancements is the development of continuous glucose monitoring systems. They comprise small sensors which are placed under the skin and help to monitor glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The sensors transmit the glucose readings to mobile applications in real-time, which helps to closely observe the glucose levels and make informed decisions. Additionally, it provides valuable information about glucose trends and patterns, enabling better management of diabetes and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia/ hyperglycemia.
Besides continuous glucose monitoring systems, another advancement is the integration of insulin pumps. This further led to the development of an artificial pancreas. They regulate insulin delivery based on continuous glucose monitor readings and alter the rate of dose administration. An artificial pancreas mimics the function of a healthy pancreas and delivers insulin according to the patient's needs. The technology has been shown to improve glycemic control and enhance the quality of life.
In addition to the above, various smart applications have been beneficial in supporting diabetes management. It helps the users track insulin levels and monitors the insulin doses. It also provides customized insights and reminders to empower individuals to self-manage the condition.
Will Diabetes Technology Be the Future of Treatment?
Diabetes technology may have significant potential in the shape and future of diabetes treatment. Although it could completely replace traditional treatment methods, it could enhance the overall care and outcome of patients. A few reasons to substantiate why diabetes technology could be the future are given below:
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Improves glucose management and allows precise adjustment for required doses.
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Collects personalized data, which enables the provision of optimal care.
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Enhances patient empowerment and aids with better self-management.
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Enables remote controlling and monitoring.
Diabetes technology is a rapidly growing field with a huge contribution to the health of diabetic patients and monitoring glucose levels. Although it may not be the best choice of treatment for all cases, the collected data and information could be highly beneficial.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a treatable condition that could be genetic or congenital. Following a balanced diet and lifestyle modifications can play a key role. In addition, administering medications had been a novel treatment method. The recent advancement in diabetes technology has surpassed other treatment modalities. For instance, the continuous glucose monitor helps with valuable information during various hours of the day, which helps to save the individual and ensures better life quality.
