Diabetes - Symptoms, Causes, Precaution, Methods and more

DIABETIES :- Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease. which is characterised by hyperglycemia resulting from insulin deficiency or insulin resistance.

Diabetic Mellitus

SYMPTOMS :-

3P :-

Polyuria (frequent urine)

Polyphagia ( very hungry)

polydipsia ( very thirsty)

feeling tired

blurry vision

weight loss

delay wound healing

HYPERGLYCEMIA

High blood sugar/ high sugar level in blood.

HYPOGLYCEMIA

Low blood sugar with a glucose value of usually less than 70mg/dl

CAUSES

To high dose of medication ( Insulin/ antidiabetic medication )

Delayed Meals

Exercise

Alcohol

SYMPTOMS

Shakiness

Anxiety

Sweating

Irritability or Confusion

Fast heart beat

Dizziness

Hunger and nausea

Headaches

Weakness

Seizure/Unconsciousness

TREATMENT

Consume simple carbohydrates like half cup sweetened juice, 3 tablespoons of sugar, honey, chocolates or hard candy.

Recheck your blood glucose after 15 minutes.

If hyperglycemia continues, repeat the glucose supplements.

Once blood glucose returns to normal snack at the earliest.

NOTE :- If hypoglycemia is not getting corrected, attend any nearby medical facility.

TYPES OF DIABETES

There are mainly two types of diabetes

1. Type 1 Diabetes ( Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus )

2. Type 2 Diabetes ( Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)

Difference between Type 1. Diabetes and Type 2. Diabetes

DIABETIC FOOT CARE

check your feet everyday.

you may need a mirror to look at the bottom of your feet (if you are obese or. have joint problem).

Look for any sign of redness, swelling, ulcer, pain, numbness or tingling in any part of your foot.

Wash your feet with lukewarm water and mild soap.

Dry your feet with towel especially between the toes.

Use a soft towel and pat gently, do not rub.

Keep skin smooth by applying a cream or lotion.

Keep your feet dry befor putting on socks or shoes.

Do not go barefoot.

Do not let your feet get too hot or cold.

Cut toe nails straight with nail cutter across to avoid ingrown toe nails. If your nails are brittle, soak your toe nails in warm water to soften them before cutting.

Do not use scissors, blades.

Do not treat corns on your own.

SELECTION AND CARE OF SHOES

Do not wear shoes without socks.

Do not wear sandals or other open toed shoes.

Avoid high healed and pointed toes shoes.

Wear socks (cotton/woolen) that are half inch longer than your longest toe.

Do not wear strech socks, nylon socks.

Do not wear uncomfortable shoes.

Shop for new shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are little swollen.

Wear new shoes for not more than one hour/day for several days.

Change socks and shoes everyday.

Have two pair of shoes so that you can switch pairs every other day.

How can I control my diabetes naturally?

Managing diabetes requires lifestyle changes and consistency:

Balanced Diet:

Focus on high-fiber foods like vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Avoid refined carbs and sugary snacks. Opt for low-glycemic-index foods.

Exercise Regularly:

Aim for at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity (walking, yoga, or strength training). It improves insulin sensitivity.

Stay Hydrated:

Drink plenty of water to regulate blood sugar levels.

Stress Management:

Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce cortisol, which can affect glucose levels.

Sleep Well:

Ensure 7–8 hours of quality sleep to stabilize blood sugar and improve energy levels.

Monitor Blood Sugar:

Check levels regularly and track patterns to adjust your diet or routine accordingly.
Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and medication adjustments. With discipline, diabetes can be managed effectively.

INSULIN VIALS AND SYRINGES

Do not interchange 100IU/ml and 40IU/ml Insulin and syringes.

100ml/dl & 40ml/dl Insulin Vials and needle

Insulin 100ml/dl and 40ml/dl syringe

STORAGE AND SITE OF INJECTION

1. Store insulin in the door of the refrigerator and not in freezer.

2. Earthen vessel pot in villages.

3. Flask with ice-water.

4. Use ice-pack for short distance travel.

NOTE :- Insulin can be injected on the arms, abdomen and thigh.

Insulin Site with Method

METHOD OF INSULIN ADMINISTRATION

Wash your hands and gently roll the insulin vial between your palms, never shake.

If using a new vial, inspect the insulin for any sediments and remove the flat top from the vial.

Insert air equivalent to the desired dose of insulin into the vial with the needle and syringe.

Turn the vial and syringe upside down, and ensure that the tip of the needle is in the insulin. Pull back on the plunger of the needle till desired dose.

Inspect the insulin in the syringe for any bubbles, If bubbles are present then remove the needle from the vial and discard the bubbles.

Clean the site, pinch the skin and insert the needle perpendicular, (at angle of the person is very thin) and inject the insulin completely.

Count till 10 before withdrawing the syringe.

Method of Insulin using Syringe

HOW TO INJECT INSULIN USING A PEN DEVICE

Image of Insulin Pen

Wash your hands and gently roll the insulin pen between your palms.

Remove the pen cap and make sure that the insulin is evenly mixed without any particles.

Wipe the tip of the pen where the needle will be attached with an alcohol swab.

Remove the pull-cover from the needle and screw it on to the pen till it is snug.

Remove the plastic inner and outer cap from the needle.

Dial upto 2 units at the dose window and keeping the needle and pen upright press the inject button till a drop of insulin appears at the needle tip.

Dial the desired dose on the dial window of the pen.

With one hand pinch the skin where you want to inject the insulin and with the other hand hold the pen with the thumb free to press the inject button.