Diabetes, which is another important disease that our hospital's internal medicine outpatient clinic investigates and deals with, and the reason why our patients come to us, is a common problem today.

What Is Diabetes?

When the nutrients we ingest are digested, simple sugars called glucose are released. Glucose is the main source of nutrients for all body organs. In order for cells to use glucose as energy, glucose must be transported into the cell. Insulin hormone is secreted by the pancreas, which allows glucose to be taken into the cell and stored as glycogen. Diabetes is high blood sugar that occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin.

Types of diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes and Concealed Sugar.
Type 1 diabetes is the body's inability to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar. As a result, the glucose level in the blood rises. It usually starts at a young age. Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur as a result of a lack of insulin in the body and this can lead to weight loss.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which body cells gain resistance to insulin and cannot benefit from sugar in the blood. Excess weight can be caused by genetics and stress. It increases the likelihood of excessive thirst, fatigue and heart and nerve diseases in later ages.

Gestational diabetes, this type of diabetes known as gestational diabetes, is caused by the pancreas' inability to provide enough insulin as pregnancy progresses. Individuals with genetic factors may encounter this condition more easily. This condition usually resolves on its own when the pregnancy ends. If it does not improve, it may turn into type 2 diabetes in the future.

Hidden sugar is the situation in which the blood level of the individual is high under normal conditions, but not at a level to diagnose diabetes. Over time, it can develop into type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes, unfortunately, presents various risk factors. Family history, age, sedentary life, stress, obesity, pancreatic disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance can cause diabetes. Other diseases that diabetes may cause are cardiovascular diseases, nervous system diseases, kidney failure, diabetic foot, eye vessels and retinal diseases and erection problems.


How Is It Treated?

For the treatment of diabetes as a chronic disease, blood sugar should be kept within normal limits. It is appropriate to take insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Oral antidiabetic therapy is provided for type 2 diabetes and latent diabetes. It is recommended to change the diet and lifestyle in all types of diabetes.

Our internal medicine specialist will help you with diet and exercise, and joint decisions will be made and implemented with the dietitian when necessary.