Diabetes Mellitus - Causes and how to manage it

HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)

Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals the pancreas to release Insulin, and when your blood sugar is low, it signals the pancreas to release Glucagon

Three Main Types of Diabetes

There are common factors that can lead to high blood pressure which include: 

  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant).
  • Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks
    itself by mistake) that stops your body from making insulin hence insulin dependence
  • Type 2 diabetes is an impairment in the way the body regulates and uses sugar (glucose) as a fuel. This long-term condition results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream.
  • Gestational Diabetes is a type that develops during pregnancy in women who do not have diabetes.

Causes of Diabetes

There are common factors that can lead to high blood pressure which include: 

  • Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system, the body’s system for fighting infection, attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.
  •  Type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by Overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity.
  • Extra weight sometimes causes insulin resistance and is common in people with type 2 diabetes.
  • The location of body fat also makes a difference.

Management of Diabetes Mellitus

  • Keep your blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible by following a diet plan, taking prescribed medication, and increasing your activity level.
  • Maintain your blood cholesterol (HDL and LDL levels) and triglyceride levels as near the normal ranges as possible.
  • Control your blood pressure.