Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition where your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or when your body doesn’t respond effectively to insulin. Insulin acts as a “key” to help glucose enter your cells for energy.

Type-1 Diabetes

  • Believed to be an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
  • The damage is permanent, and the exact cause is not entirely clear.
  • Usually develops in children and young adults.
  • Requires insulin therapy for management.

Type-2 Diabetes

  • Starts as insulin resistance, where the body cannot use insulin efficiently.
  • The pancreas produces more insulin initially, but over time, production decreases.
  • Common risk factors include genetics, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.
  • Typically diagnosed in people over 45, but younger individuals are increasingly affected.

Gestational Diabetes

  • Occurs during pregnancy due to insulin-blocking hormones.
  • Often seen in people with preexisting prediabetes and a family history of diabetes.
  • About 50% of those with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes later.

Managing diabetes involves medications, lifestyle changes, and close monitoring. High blood glucose can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, and eye issues. Remember that managing diabetes involves specific approaches for each type, so it’s essential to work closely with healthcare professionals for proper care.