Diabetes Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Information

Diabetes

23 Aug 2024

8 mins

Can your blood group type help predict diabetes? An essential guideDo you think your blood's only role is to transport vital oxygen and nutrients throughout your body? It might surprise you to know that certain blood types can increase the risk of developing diabetes. While we all know traditional risk factors such as diet, genetics, physical inactivity, cholesterol, and blood pressure, understanding your blood group type might present a new perspective on predicting, preventing, and managing this condition. IS DIABETES CONSIDERED A SILENT KILLER? Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by elevated glucose levels (blood sugar) in the body. This condition often leads to various side effects and long-term health complications. Insulin, a hormone crucial for transporting sugar from the bloodstream into your cells for energy, is either produced in insufficient amounts or not effectively utilised in diabetes. As a result, glucose remains in the blood rather than being used by the cells, leading to persistent high blood sugar levels. WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES? The symptoms of diabetes [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/diabetes/common-side-effects-of-diabetes] include * Frequent urination * Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet * Unexplained weight loss * Blurred vision * Fatigue * Dry mouth and increased thirst * Slow-healing of sores or cuts * Frequent skin and vaginal yeast infections WHAT IS THE LINK BETWEEN BLOOD TYPE AND DIABETES RISK? Blood type, determined by the ABO and RhD systems, could be more important in your health than you might think. Your blood group might affect how your body handles glucose and insulin, the hormones responsible for regulating blood sugar levels [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/know-your-blood-sugar-numbers]. According to recent research, different blood types may be connected with an increased or decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/diabetes/prevention-type-2-diabetes]. WHICH BLOOD GROUP IS PRONE TO DIABETES? While blood type may play a role, it is a minor factor compared to well-known risk factors like diet, exercise, and genetics. A study [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-014-3472-9] conducted by researchers from INSERM and affiliated institutions found that * Women with blood type "A" are 10% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with blood type "O." * Women with blood type "B" had a 21% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with blood type "O." * Blood type "O" is linked to reduced levels of insulin resistance, which is a major risk factor for diabetes. This is because blood type “O” has lower levels of insulin resistance, which is a crucial factor in developing diabetes. However, this study was conducted on females. These results may or may not apply to men. WHICH BLOOD GROUP IS INSULIN RESISTANT? Insulin resistance is a complex condition where your body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin, which can lead to increased blood glucose levels. Research [https://www.actamedicamediterranea.com/archive/2017/medica-6/there-is-a-relation-between-blood-subgroups-and-insulin-resistance/document] conducted at Kayseri Training and Research Hospital indicates that. * Blood type "A" is more prone to insulin resistance. * Blood type "O" is less prone to insulin resistance. * Blood type A Rh(+) shows a significantly higher prevalence of insulin resistance. This study identifies a link between blood types and insulin resistance. This might be due to the way certain blood types interact with insulin and glucose metabolism. WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETES? The risk factors for diabetes are important in the prevention and management of the condition. The risk factors include * Genetics * Auto-immune conditions * Exposure to viruses such as Enteroviruses and Rubella Virus * Age * Obesity [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/cancer-care/obesity-symptoms-side-effects] * Physical inactivity * Blood pressure [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/hypertension/low-blood-pressure-causes-effects-heart] IS BLOOD GROUP A RISK FACTOR FOR DIABETES? A comprehensive approach is essential when evaluating diabetes risk. While certain blood groups can be a risk factor, they should not be the only focus. Diabetes risk is significantly influenced by lifestyle factors such as a good diet [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/benefits-of-eating-healthy], regular exercise, and weight management. The blood group is just one piece of the puzzle. BLOOD GROUP-RELATED HEALTH COMPLICATIONS A study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jth.12507] found that people with blood type “AB” have nearly double the risk of stroke [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/heart-care/stroke-causes-types-symptoms-treatment] compared to those with blood type O. This research, part of the REGARDS Study, involved over 30,000 participants and linked to higher stroke risk in non-diabetic individuals with blood type AB. CAN BLOOD GROUPS HELP IN DIABETES PREVENTION? While knowing your blood type might offer some insights into your diabetic risk, it should be part of a broader prevention plan. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/diabetes/diabetes-exercise-diet-lifestyle] is the most efficient way to reduce the risk of diabetes. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight. Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes, such as 1. Maintain a healthy weight: Weight loss can reduce the risk of diabetes. To prevent the condition from progressing, the American Diabetes Association advises prediabetics to lose 7% to 10% of their body weight. Being obese [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/world-obesity-day] can double the risk of diabetes. 2. Physical activity: Has various benefits, such as * Lower your blood sugar levels * Reduce weight * Boost your sensitivity to insulin — which helps regulate blood sugar within a normal range. 3. Healthy diet: Eating a diet that is rich in proteins and minerals not only helps with diabetes but also enhances the overall well-being of an individual. Consider a fibre-rich diet, which can help in * Reducing the absorption of fat and cholesterol * Slowing down the absorption of sugar and reducing blood sugar levels * Managing Inflammation and Blood Pressure to Improve Heart Health [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/heart-care/how-to-keep-heart-healthy] Stay away from "bad carbohydrates" such as processed meals, food that is rich in sugar, white bread, pastries, and fruit juices. It is important to begin with regular screenings if you want to take charge of your diabetes risk. Make an appointment for a blood sugar test with your healthcare provider as soon as possible if it has been a while since your last checkup. Diabetes may be managed and prevented effectively with early detection. CAN BLOOD GROUPS HELP IN DIABETES TREATMENT? Knowing your blood type can be beneficial when treating diabetes. It can help tailor certain treatment strategies or provide an overview of how you might respond to different medications. However, treatment decisions should always be made after discussing with healthcare professionals. PERSONALISED TREATMENT APPROACHES Personalised treatment approaches optimise diabetes management by considering various factors, including blood type. For example, individuals with different blood types might respond differently to certain medications or dietary interventions. Knowing your blood type can help healthcare professionals to make more accurate choices regarding your treatment plan. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE DOCTOR IN DIABETES? Healthcare professionals play an important role in managing diabetes. They can personalise your treatment plan based on an evaluation of your health condition, including blood type, lifestyle factors and medical history. Working with your healthcare team can help in effective treatment and support for managing diabetes. PROFESSIONALS INSIGHTS Dr. Kotwal says, “The call for action for a 20-year-old male whose waist circumference is more than 80 centimetres and for a woman whose waist circumference is more than 90 centimetres, or if there is one family member with diabetes, that family member could be a father, mother, or a relative, is to get screened. If both parents are diabetic, the risk is 90%, and if one parent is diabetic, it is 70%. On the other hand, if one relative is diabetic, the risk is 40%.” Dr Kotwal states, “One factor which really impacts is weight gain. After 10 years of age, individuals exceeding the 85th percentile are considered overweight, and those surpassing the 95th percentile are classified as obese. All these individuals are at risk of developing diabetes,” FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) 1. Is blood type O safe from diabetes? Individuals with blood type O have a lower risk of developing diabetes when compared with blood groups A and B. 2. What is the most common blood type for diabetics? Blood type A might be associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to blood type O, which is linked to a lower risk. However, blood type is just one factor among many that influence diabetes risk. 3. Is blood type O the healthiest? Blood type O has a decreased risk of developing heart conditions and diabetes when compared to blood types A and B. 4. Can blood groups prevent diabetes? No, blood groups cannot prevent diabetes, but certain blood types like A and B can increase the risk of acquiring diabetes. 5. What diseases are associated with blood type O? The blood type has an increased incidence of plague, tuberculosis, and cholera. WRAPPING UP While blood type influences diabetes risk, it should not be the primary focus. Studies have shown that blood types such as A and B might have an increased risk of developing insulin resistance and diabetes, while blood type O has less risk compared to both. Ultimately, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management—is crucial in reducing diabetes risk. Regular screenings and consultations with doctors are essential for early detection and personalised treatment. Blood type knowledge can complement traditional methods but should not replace standard preventive measures and treatments. REFERENCES 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4621172/ [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4621172/] 2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3142337/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3142337/] 3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13304326/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13304326/] 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8712191/ [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8712191/] 5. https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/115/23/4635/27755/The-relationship-between-blood-groups-and-disease [https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/115/23/4635/27755/The-relationship-between-blood-groups-and-disease] Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general knowledge. It is important to remember that it should not replace professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about diabetes or related symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider.

Dr Deva Prasath S

Diabetes

5 Jun 2024

5 mins

5 Best Approaches to Managing Diabetes: Diet, Exercise, and MoreDiabetes is a commonly occurring condition in most people these days. In diabetes, the blood sugar (glucose) level in an individual’s body is higher than normal. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough amount of insulin or doesn’t make any at all. It may also occur if the body of the patient does not respond to insulin properly. There are two major forms of diabetes [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/diabetes/world-diabetes-day]: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Both of these common types of diabetes are lifelong conditions that require proper treatment and management. Type 1 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system acts on the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and destroys them. As a result of the immune system attack, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. A person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when their body fails to produce sufficient insulin or when the body fails to respond to the insulin in the body. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/diabetes/prevention-type-2-diabetes] is high in the following people, * Who are obese * Leading a sedentary lifestyle * Eating processed foods, sugary foods, saturated fats and high-carbohydrate foods * Taking certain medications like corticosteroids (long-term use) * Having certain hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism * Having chronic stress * Lacking quality sleep TREATMENT FOR DIABETES The treatment for diabetes depends on the type of diabetes, age, and overall health of the patient. Treatments for diabetes management [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/diabetes/common-side-effects-of-diabetes] include a combination of blood sugar monitoring, medications or insulin, and healthy lifestyle changes such as a diabetic diet and exercise. WHY ARE LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR DIABETES IMPORTANT? Diabetes is a chronic lifelong condition. When not managed properly, diabetes can pose a serious risk to health. Hence, healthy lifestyle changes for diabetes are important to manage the condition in the long run, prevent the risk of other conditions and have an improved quality of life. People with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes may experience symptoms like increased thirst, fatigue, frequent urge to pee, dry mouth, weight loss, etc. If diabetes is not managed well, in the long term, it may increase the patient’s risk of developing various other conditions. Hence, along with proper medications, lifestyle changes for diabetes are also needed. Some of the complications that can occur due to diabetes include: 1. Cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and heart attack 2. Nephropathy that can cause kidney failure or the need for a kidney transplant. 3. Kidney problems requiring dialysis 4. Diabetic Retinopathy (eye damage) 5. Diabetic Neuropathy (nerve damage) 6. Skin and mouth conditions 7. Hearing loss 8. Foot damage 9. Sexual dysfunctions 10. Gastroparesis 11. Mental health problems LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR DIABETES MANAGEMENT 5 strategies to help you manage your diabetes better! While medications, insulin therapy, and blood sugar monitoring are important to manage your diabetes, they cannot be effective if you don’t make healthy lifestyle changes. To manage your diabetes, reduce the risk of developing other health complications, and improve the quality of your life, and it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle along with your doctor-prescribed treatment. Here’s a list of 5 lifestyle changes that can help you manage your diabetes well, 1. A DIABETIC DIET A diabetic diet [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/diabetes/diabetic-diet-plan] may sound fancy, but it is not what it sounds like. A diabetic diet, in simple terms, is a list of foods that you must and must not eat with diabetes. Even in the case of a non-diabetic patient, the food they eat affects their blood sugar levels in the body, let alone in a person with diabetes. Individuals with diabetes have to eat more mindfully to ensure their blood sugar levels are in check. Because what you eat has a direct effect on your blood sugar levels. Controlled portion sizes and healthy foods make up for the most important aspects of a diabetic diet. But, with the availability of so many options, finding the right foods to eat with diabetes may be challenging. Hence, it is best to consult a dietician to understand what your body needs if you have diabetes. Your dietician will provide you with the right diet chart, depending on your case, to ensure your health is not compromised. In general, individuals having diabetes must include the following foods in their diabetic diet, * Plenty of vegetables * Foods high in fiber, like legumes, chickpeas, vegetables, and whole grains * Healthy fats like walnuts, flax seeds, extra virgin olive oil, etc * Whole-grain foods * Fat-free /low-fat yogurt, milk, and cheese * Protein-rich foods like beans, lentils, lean meat, and seafood LIST OF LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX (GI) FOODS TO EAT IN DIABETES Foods that have a low Glycemic Index (GI) cause gradual release of glucose in the bloodstream and help regulate blood sugar levels. * Spinach * Yogurt * Cabbage and cauliflower * Barley * Lentils * Chickpeas * Nuts and Seeds * Curd * Tomatoes Foods to avoid if you have diabetes include the following, * Foods rich in sugar like ice creams, desserts, sugar-rich cereals * Foods with a high glycemic index (GI), such as white rice and potatoes * Processed foods like packaged items (chips and biscuits) * Processed red meat * Foods rich in saturated fats * Alcoholic beverages * Foods high in sodium * Trans fats * Refined carbohydrates such as pasta, pastries, and white bread 2. EXERCISING REGULARLY A very powerful way of managing weight and diabetes is exercising. Exercising regularly helps in improving insulin sensitivity, lowering blood sugar levels, and managing weight. To manage diabetes, a gym or high-intensity workout is not necessary. A normal every day workout of 30 minutes daily is enough. If you have diabetes, then you can add physical activity to your everyday life by incorporating exercises like walking, jogging, yoga, or cycling. As a diabetic patient, your aim should be to add at least 150 minutes of exercise in a week. Regular exercising will also reduce your risk of getting heart disease and will help you manage stress better. 3. MANAGE STRESS One of the most common risk factors for various health conditions is stress. When you are stressed, the blood sugar levels in your body shoot up. Stress can make it difficult to manage diabetes. Hence, an important strategy for effective management of diabetes is stress management. Additionally, stress also impacts sleep and mental health, both of which can make diabetes worse. To manage and relieve stress, you can practice yoga and deep breathing exercises, enjoy your favorite hobby, journal, listen to music, or meditate. If you are extremely stressed, then it is best advised to seek help from a professional such as a counselor or a psychologist to understand the root cause of your stress better and address it to improve your mental health. 4. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT Obesity or overweight is a huge risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Being overweight also increases the risk of developing heart disease. To maintain a healthy weight, a combination of a diabetic diet, exercise, and stress management is required. Avoid alcohol consumption and quit smoking, as both of these habits can further worsen diabetes and your overall health. 5. QUALITY SLEEP One of the most overlooked aspects of diabetes management is quality sleep. A study revealed that quality sleep is essential [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10693913/#:~:text=Sleep%20is%20essential%20for%20controlling%20how%20the%20body%20uses%20glucose,developing%20diabetes%20and%20insulin%20resistance.] to control how our body uses glucose. A poor quality of sleep can not only worsen type 2 diabetes but also increase the risk of developing insulin resistance, restless leg syndrome (RLS), sleep apnea, and insomnia. Sleep also increases stress, causes hormonal imbalance, and worsens metabolism. Hence, to manage diabetes effectively, quality sleep is essential. To improve the quality of your sleep, you can follow the below-mentioned tips: 1. Avoid using electronic devices like laptops and computers at least 2 hours before you go to sleep. 2. Read books before you sleep to relax 3. Avoid consuming any stimulants at night, such as caffeinated beverages 4. Make your environment comfortable for a good sleep 5. Avoid heavy evening workouts before you sleep 6. Practice going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time in the morning. 7. Avoid drinking alcohol around your bedtime. TAKE AWAY Being diagnosed with diabetes can be stressful and life-changing. Especially when you know it is a lifelong condition. However, having diabetes doesn’t mean you cannot lead a healthy life. With proper care, treatment, and precautions, you can manage your diabetes effectively. To ensure you manage your condition well, ensure to see your doctor regularly, take your prescribed medications on time, be consistent with your blood sugar monitoring, and make healthy lifestyle changes. The prognosis of diabetes may vary from patient to patient, depending on various factors. The factors determining the outlook (prognosis) of diabetes include the type of diabetes, the age of the patient at the time of diagnosis, how long the patient has had diabetes, overall patient health, how well the condition is managed, and if the patient has developed any complications.

Arwa Aliakber