Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is also known as diabetes mellitus. In this condition, the body is unable to make enough insulin or use it appropriately, resulting in increased blood sugar levels. This sugar or glucose is necessary as a source of energy for the body and is the main fuel for the brain, but excess amounts can be harmful. Here are some things to know about this condition.

Causes
The reasons for the development of this condition depend on the type of diabetes. Some of the common causes of each type of diabetes are:

• Type 1 diabetes
  There is no specific cause for Type 1 diabetes. In this condition, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas instead of protecting the body from germs. A virus, environmental factors, or a genetic condition is believed to cause Type 1 diabetes, but the exact cause is yet unknown.
• Type 2 diabetes
  This condition can stem from a mix of lifestyle factors and genetics. Excessive fat, especially near the stomach, slows down the effects of insulin in the body. So, sugar remains in the bloodstream instead of converting into energy, resulting in Type 2 diabetes. Obesity and weight gain can run in families, and the condition may also affect an individual due to poor dietary habits and lack of physical exercise.
• Gestational diabetes
  Diabetes that results from hormonal changes in pregnant women is referred to as gestational diabetes. The placenta in the woman’s body produces a hormone that reduces the impact of insulin on the cells, causing blood sugar levels to increase. Women who are overweight or gain a lot of weight during pregnancy are most susceptible to developing gestational diabetes.

Symptoms
The signs of diabetes vary depending on the type, and treatment depends on the same. Some indications of each type of this disease are:

• Type 1 diabetes
  Patients might experience extreme hunger and thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, unintentional weight loss, mood changes, and blurry vision.
• Type 2 diabetes
  In this condition, patients show signs of increased thirst and hunger, tiredness, blurry vision, increased urination, and sores that heal slowly. Recurring infections are also common as the body takes longer to heal.
• Gestational diabetes
  People with this condition do not show any symptoms, and the condition is most often diagnosed during a glucose tolerance or blood sugar test. In a few cases, patients may experience increased urination or thirst.

Treatment methods
Diabetes treatments are based on their types. The following are a few commonly recommended treatment options:

• Type 1 diabetes
  Insulin is the main treatment option for this type of diabetes. There are different kinds of insulin, which vary based on the time they take to work and how long the effects last. These include rapid-acting insulin, short-acting insulin, intermediate-acting insulin, and long-acting insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes
  Diet and exercise are suitable treatment methods for this type of diabetes, but medications like meglitinides, sulfonylureas, and biguanides may be prescribed if they do not provide the desired results.

Natural remedies to manage/prevent the condition
Leading an active lifestyle and following a nourishing diet are the most important and popular natural remedies suggested for diabetes patients and those who are at high risk of developing it. One should increase their intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, people who are overweight should work on attaining and maintaining a healthy weight to lower the risk of diabetes.

Diet to follow
Diabetes patients should include more plant-based foods in their diet, especially those that are rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. These include broccoli and other green vegetables, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, okra, coffee, and buckwheat.
Along with eating these foods, it’s important to refrain from eating starchy and sugary dishes. Also, one should eat small meals distributed throughout the day instead of having a few large meals to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.