What is Diabetes?

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood, resulting from either insufficient insulin production, impaired insulin function, or both. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy.

Types of Diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes:

   • An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
   • Commonly diagnosed in children and young adults.
   • Requires insulin therapy.

2. Type 2 Diabetes:

   • A metabolic disorder where the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
   • Often associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and genetic factors.
   • Managed through lifestyle changes, oral medications, or insulin.

3. Gestational Diabetes:

   • Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth.
   • Increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and child.

4. Prediabetes:

   • A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
   • A warning sign for Type 2 diabetes if lifestyle changes are not made.

Common Symptoms:

• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Frequent urination (polyuria)
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (more common in Type 2)

Complications:

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications, including:

• Cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke)
• Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy)
• Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
• Eye problems (diabetic retinopathy, blindness)
• Foot infections leading to amputation
• Increased risk of infections

Management:

• Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Medications: Insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, or other prescribed treatments.
• Regular monitoring: Blood sugar levels, HbA1c tests, and routine checkups.

Prevention and early intervention are key to managing and mitigating the risks of diabetes.