Diabetes Explained: Causes, Warning Signs & Modern Treatments  

Diabetes has become one of Myanmar's most urgent health threats, affecting 1 in 10 adults – yet many don't recognize the warning signs until it's too late. What begins as slightly high blood sugar can quietly damage your heart, kidneys, and vision over years without obvious symptoms.

This essential guide explains diabetes in clear, practical terms. You'll discover how to spot early symptoms, explore effective treatments available locally, and learn simple daily strategies to protect your health – whether you're newly diagnosed, at risk, or supporting a loved one with diabetes.

1. What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose). This happens due to:

• Insulin deficiency (Type 1)
• Insulin resistance (Type 2)
• Pregnancy-related changes (Gestational diabetes)

🔹 Normal Blood Sugar Levels (Chart)

2. Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

• Autoimmune disease (Body attacks insulin-producing cells)
• Usually diagnosed in children/young adults
• Requires lifelong insulin therapy

Type 2 Diabetes

• 90% of all diabetes cases
• Linked to obesity & inactivity
• Can sometimes be reversed with lifestyle changes

Gestational Diabetes

• Develops during pregnancy
• Increases risk of Type 2 diabetes later

Prediabetes

• Blood sugar is high but not diabetic yet
• Reversible with diet & exercise

3. Early Signs & Symptoms

✅ Common Symptoms:

• Extreme thirst & frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss (Type 1)
• Slow-healing wounds
• Blurred vision
• Tingling in hands/feet (nerve damage)

🚨 Emergency Symptoms (Seek Help Now!)

• Confusion, dizziness
• Fruity-smelling breath (ketoacidosis)

4. What Causes Diabetes?

Type 1 Causes

• Genetics + environmental triggers (Viruses, toxins)

Type 2 Causes

• Obesity & sedentary lifestyle
• Insulin resistance
• Family history

Gestational Diabetes Causes

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy

5. How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?

🔍 Common Tests:

1. Fasting Blood Sugar Test
2. HbA1c Test (3-month average)
3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

💡 "Can I Test for Diabetes at Home?"

• Yes, with a glucose meter—but lab tests are more accurate.

6. Best Diabetes Treatments (2024 Update)

Medications

💊 Metformin (First-line for Type 2)

💉 Insulin Therapy (Essential for Type 1)

🆕 New Drugs: GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy, Ozempic)

Natural Remedies (Do They Work?)

• Cinnamon? (Mild effect)
• Apple cider vinegar? (May help slightly)
• Bitter melon? (Traditional remedy, limited evidence)

Lifestyle Changes

• Low-carb & Mediterranean diets
• 150 mins of exercise/week
• Stress management (Yoga, meditation)

7. Diabetes Diet: What to Eat & Avoid

✅ Best Foods for Diabetics

• Non-starchy veggies (Spinach, broccoli)
• Lean proteins (Chicken, fish, tofu)
• Healthy fats (Avocado, nuts)

❌ Worst Foods for Diabetics

• Sugary drinks (Soda, juice)
• White bread & rice
• Processed snacks

📌 Sample 1-Day Meal Plan

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt + berries
• Lunch: Grilled chicken salad
• Dinner: Salmon + quinoa + veggies

8. Can Diabetes Be Cured or Reversed?

• Type 1: No cure yet (Insulin-dependent)
• Type 2: Possible remission with weight loss & lifestyle changes
• Prediabetes: Reversible in most cases

9. Complications If Left Untreated

⚠️ Long-term risks:

• Heart disease & stroke
• Kidney failure
• Vision loss (Diabetic retinopathy)
• Nerve damage (Neuropathy)

10. How to Prevent Diabetes

🔹 For Prediabetics:

• Lose 5-7% body weight
• Exercise 30 mins/day
• Eat more fiber & less sugar

🔹 For High-Risk Groups:

• Regular blood tests
• Avoid smoking & excessive alcohol