Diabetes a Death sentence?

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DIABETES

People who aren't familiar with diabetes may misinterpret a diabetic's description of a "high" as a reference to drug use.
The same holds true if they claim to be feeling down; it's not a mood disorder.

Diabetic or Non-Diabetic

The ups and downs of a diabetic's life can be summed up by the fact that their glucose levels can either spike dangerously high (Hyperglycemic) or drop dangerously low (Hypoglycemic).
If either of them falls into a coma, it might be fatal.

It's a tricky balancing act because your daily routine and diet will inevitably fluctuate.
Insulin levels should be lowered when people become more active because physical activity facilitates the conversion of sugar into energy.
Their glucose levels can swing wildly, from too high to very low, so they need to eat regularly and monitor them before administering Insulin.

For the diabetic and his loved ones, a hypo is far more terrifying and even fatal.

Life-saving or potentially fatal: insulin

Too much Insulin causes cells to absorb more sugar than the bloodstream, leaving the diabetic's brain without its usual supply of glucose.
Naturally, this impairs their understanding, causes their vision to blur, and causes them to become confused and agitated.

Adrenaline, the body's natural stress hormone
The body's alarm system, adrenaline, is activated, causing the person to perspire heavily, shake, and experience a high heart rate.
Everyone who comes into contact with a diabetic, whether at home or at work, needs to be aware of these red flags so they can help and insist that the diabetic take a glucose test.

Essentials of Hypoglycemia

People with type 1 diabetes need to have access to sugar at all times, therefore they should always have glucose sachets, glucose pills, soft candies or a sweet drink on hand.
This is the one and only occasion when eating something sweet will actually help.

If they start to nod off, get them medical attention right away and avoid the above.

Hyperglycemia

While there is overlap in symptoms, Hypers typically exhibit intense fatigue, rapid heart rate, and a sweet smell to their breath as early warning signals.
Obviously, they have to check the blood sugar and administer insulin as needed.

Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes at Age 8

My uncle was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus when he was 8 years old, yet he has managed to lead a normal life for the past approximately 65 years.
Because of how long he's had it, his body isn't always able to produce enough adrenaline to send him a timely warning.

Testing his urine for glucose levels over a Bunsen burner and sterilising a glass syringe with a thick needle required a separate pot and took much longer when he was a child.

These days, all it takes is a small drop of blood from a finger prick, which is then placed on a particular test strip and entered into a Glucometer. An insulin pen with a fine enough needle to inject through his shirt while we're out to dinner can be used to administer the medication by simply dialling the desired dose.
My stubborn uncle simply carries a card in his wallet instead of a bracelet or tattoo to alert medical professionals to his condition.

While we don't adhere to any sort of specific diet plan, we do try to live healthily by being active and eating foods that are high in nutrients but low in processed components.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, is managed with medications, and necessitates a far more stringent diet.

Pregnancy-related diabetes

Some pregnant women acquire gestational diabetes, characterised by elevated blood sugar levels that, thankfully, return to normal shortly after delivery. However, they should still keep an eye on their blood sugar levels until they stabilise, as they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes need not be fatal.
Despite having a chronic illness for the rest of his life, my uncle is in better health and appears to be much younger than other men his age.

My uncle has dealt with some terrifying Hypos throughout the years: complete mental disorientation, getting lost while driving home alone on a known road, and shivering so badly that he can hardly swallow sugar water.
It's incredible, though, how quickly their sugar levels recover and return to normal.

If you work with a diabetic or have a diabetic acquaintance, you owe it to them and yourself to get familiar with the condition so that you can recognise the warning signs mentioned above.

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Images was taken with my iphone8+

NB: The information above is based on real life experience