Diabetes is a chronic and life-long condition caused by a lack of insulin, or the body’s inability to use it properly. When someone has diabetes, their bodies have difficulty regulating glucose levels in the blood. This can lead to serious health complications, such as heart and kidney disease, stroke, nerve damage, eye problems, and other conditions.

Diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in adults over 45 years old and can also affect young people. It is estimated that more than 345 million people around the world are living with the condition. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1, which most commonly affects children and adolescents; and type 2, which is typically seen later in life.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes most commonly affects children and adolescents, although adults can be affected by it as well. The primary cause of type 1 diabetes is the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in an absolute lack of insulin production.

Risk factors for developing type 1 diabetes include genetic predisposition, virus exposure, and environmental triggers such as diet. As with other chronic diseases, there is no single cause for this condition but rather a combination of these and other factors that interact to produce the disease.

Treatment for type 1 diabetes usually involves managing blood sugar levels through frequent monitoring and the administration of insulin injections or pumps. An individual diagnosed with type 1 diabetes must also follow a strict dietary plan to ensure proper nutrition; exercise regularly; take medications, if any; and maintain regular doctor’s visits for checkups on their progress. With consistent treatment, proper management, and lifestyle modifications, individuals with type 1 diabetes can live healthy lives without long-term complications from their condition.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90-95% of all diagnosed cases. It typically affects adults over 45 years old, although it is increasingly being seen in younger people as well.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include a family history of the condition, age, obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, being African American or Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and gestational diabetes.

Treatment may involve medications such as metformin to help regulate sugar levels, along with lifestyle modifications including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight throughout adulthood, controlling cholesterol and triglyceride numbers, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.

With proper management—through medication and lifestyle changes—people with type 2 diabetes can effectively reduce their risk for health complications related to the condition. However, consistent monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential for staying on top of symptoms and making sure they don’t get out of control.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes is considered a “silent” disease because its symptoms often go unnoticed until the condition has progressed. Common signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Slow-healing sores or cuts
• Numbness in the hands or feet
• Tingling sensations in the hands and feet

How Is Diabetes Treated?

The goal of treating diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. This can be done through medications, lifestyle modifications, and other treatments. Different types of diabetes may require different treatments.

There are several classes of medications used to treat diabetes, including insulin and oral medicines. Some of the most popular oral medications include:

• Metformin: Metformin is often the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
• Glimepiride: Glimepiride is an oral medication used to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• Glipizide: Glipizide is a short-acting sulfonylurea that helps control blood sugar levels.
• Pioglitazone: Pioglitazone is an oral medicine used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Can Diabetes Be Treated Online?

Yes, many people with diabetes are successfully managing their disease with the help of online healthcare providers. Online doctors can provide personalized care and treatment plans that are tailored to your individual needs and online prescriptions and refills for diabetes medication. They can also provide education and support through virtual appointments.

How Can DrHouse Help You Manage and Treat Diabetes?

DrHouse is an online healthcare platform that lets you make on-demand online doctor visits 24/7. So you don’t have to wait for an in-office appointment and can get the help you need right away.

Our board-certified clinicians can provide personalized tips and advice to help you manage your diabetes. Our experienced healthcare professionals can provide personalized care and treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. We also offer online prescriptions and refills for diabetes medications, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to get the medications you need.

For those living with diabetes, DrHouse is here to provide the care and support you need to stay healthy. With our online services, you can access quality healthcare and support and get your diabetes treated online from the comfort of your home.