Diabetes can be managed through diet, exercise, and medication. Its occurrence is related to various factors, including genetics, environment, and physiology. Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar, mainly divided into type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by the autoimmune system attacking pancreatic beta cells, leading to insufficient insulin secretion, while type 2 diabetes is related to insulin resistance and relative insulin insufficiency.
1. Genetic factors: Diabetes has a clear familial aggregation. Type 1 diabetes is related to HLA genes, while type 2 diabetes is related to multiple gene loci, such as TCF7L2 and KCNJ11. People with a family history of diabetes have a higher risk of developing the disease and need to monitor their blood sugar regularly.
2. Environmental factors: Unhealthy lifestyle is a significant contributing factor to type 2 diabetes. High-calorie diets, lack of exercise, and obesity can all increase the risk of developing the disease. Long-term intake of high-sugar, high-fat foods can lead to insulin resistance, which can eventually develop into diabetes.
3. Physiological factors: Physiological changes such as aging and pregnancy can also affect the occurrence of diabetes. With age, pancreatic function gradually declines, and insulin secretion decreases. Gestational diabetes is related to insulin resistance caused by placental hormones.
4. Pathological factors: Certain diseases and medications may also induce diabetes. Pancreatic diseases and endocrine disorders such as Cushing's syndrome and hyperthyroidism can all affect glucose metabolism. Long-term use of glucocorticoids and thiazide diuretics may also lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes requires comprehensive management. Dietary recommendations include a low-sugar, low-fat, high-fiber diet, such as increasing whole grains and vegetables while reducing refined sugar and saturated fat intake. Exercise recommendations include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking or swimming. Medication includes oral hypoglycemic agents like metformin and sulfonylureas, as well as insulin injections. Regular blood glucose monitoring, weight control, and quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also important management measures. Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires long-term adherence to treatment and lifestyle modifications to effectively control the condition and prevent complications.