What is Diabetes?

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Glucose is the main source of energy for cells in the body, and its levels are regulated by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. In diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't effectively use the insulin it produces, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

There are several types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes: This type occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections or an insulin pump to survive.
• Type 2 diabetes: This is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for the majority of cases. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet.
• Gestational diabetes: This type occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes can make the body less sensitive to insulin. It usually resolves after childbirth, but women who develop gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Other types: There are also other forms of diabetes, such as maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), which is a group of genetic disorders that cause diabetes at a young age, and secondary diabetes, which occurs as a result of other medical conditions or medications.

Common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing. Long-term complications of diabetes can include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.

Management of diabetes typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, monitoring blood sugar levels, and taking medications as prescribed, including insulin for those with type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes.