What is diabetes?
There are three main types of diabetes, type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy.
Without insulin, the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious health complications, such as ketoacidosis, nerve damage, and kidney disease.
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body does not produce enough insulin or does not properly use the insulin it does produce. This can cause serious health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
There are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet. People with type 2 diabetes can often control their blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and medication. However, some people with type 2 diabetes will eventually need insulin therapy.
Types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, which was previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes, develops when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
As a result, the body is unable to produce insulin, and this can lead to a build-up of sugar in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, adolescents or young adults.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after the baby is born.
If you have gestational diabetes, you will need to monitor your blood sugar levels carefully and you may need to take medication to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
If you have diabetes, it is important to see your GP or diabetes care team regularly. They will be able to advise you on how to best manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of developing complications.
Causes of diabetes
There are a variety of different factors that can contribute to the development of diabetes. In some cases, it may be a combination of factors. In other cases, it may be a single factor.
One of the most common causes of diabetes is excess weight. When someone is overweight, their body is unable to properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to process sugar. When the body can’t use insulin properly, sugar levels in the blood can become too high. This can lead to a variety of diabetes-related health problems.
Another common cause of diabetes is an insufficient amount of physical activity. People who are inactive are more likely to develop diabetes than those who are active. This is because physical activity helps to keep the body’s sugar levels in check.
A third cause of diabetes is an unhealthy diet. Diets that are high in sugar, fat, and calories can lead to diabetes. People who eat a lot of processed and fast foods are at a higher risk for developing diabetes.
There are also a number of medical conditions that can contribute to the development of diabetes. These include things like genetic disposition, certain infections, and certain medications.
No matter what the cause, diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to a number of health complications. If you think you may be at risk for diabetes, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you to make lifestyle changes that may help to prevent the condition from developing.
Symptoms of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes, or juvenile diabetes) is the less common form of diabetes, accounting for only about 5 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections for the rest of their lives.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes) is the more common form of diabetes, accounting for about 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin, but the body is less efficient at using it. Obesity is the major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
The symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be similar. Some people with type 2 diabetes, however, may not have any symptoms at all. This is especially true in the early stages of the disease.
The most common symptoms of diabetes are:
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• fatigue
• blurred vision
• weight loss
In some cases, you may also need to take insulin injections.
-Treatment of diabetes
There are many different types of diabetes, and each type has its own treatment. The most common type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes, which is usually treated with a combination of lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) and medication. Other types of diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes, may require different treatments.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, and it is usually treated with a combination of lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) and medication.
Diet and exercise are important components of treatment for type 2 diabetes. A healthy diet can help you control your blood sugar levels and lose weight. Exercise can also help you control your blood sugar levels and lose weight.
Medication is also a important part of treatment for type 2 diabetes. There are many different types of diabetes medication, and your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication for you.
Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2 diabetes, and it is usually treated with insulin therapy. Insulin therapy involves taking insulin injections or using an insulin pump to get the insulin you need.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is usually treated with a combination of lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) and medication.
