Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disorder that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar and other carbohydrates. It occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin it does produce does not work correctly. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss, and more. Understanding what diabetes is and the different types of diabetes can help you manage your condition better and live a healthier life. In this post, we will explore what diabetes is and its different types so that you can be as informed as possible!
What is diabetes?
There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile-onset diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, adolescents, or young adults. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life.
Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults over age 45; however, it is becoming more common in children, adolescents, and young adults due to obesity. With type 2 diabetes, the body either resists the effects of insulin—a condition called insulin resistance—or does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
The different types of diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells use glucose for energy. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections daily to survive.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90-95% of all cases. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
Type 3: Gestational diabetes develops in some women during pregnancy. If not treated, it can lead to complications such as pre-eclampsia, a condition that can be dangerous for both the mother and baby.
Symptoms of diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin, or the cells do not respond properly to insulin.
The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on how serious the condition is. If you have type 1 diabetes, you may experience:
– Excessive thirst
– Frequent urination
– fatigue
– Blurred vision
– Weight loss
– Nausea and vomiting
– Stomach pain
– Shortness of breath
– fruity smelling breath
If you have type 2 diabetes, you may experience:
– Excessive thirst
– Frequent urination (often at night)
– Fatigue -Blurred vision -Weight loss -Nausea and vomiting -Stomach pain -Shortness of breath -fruity smelling breath
Causes of diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, adolescents, or young adults. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to control blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections for the rest of their lives.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It usually develops in adulthood, but it is now being diagnosed more frequently in children, adolescents, and young adults. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or when the body cannot use insulin properly. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are two major risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.
Complications of diabetes
There are a few serious complications that can arise from diabetes. These include:
– diabetic ketoacidosis, which is when your body starts to produce ketones (acids) as it breaks down fat for energy. This can happen when your blood sugar is very high and can lead to coma or death if not treated immediately.
– diabetic retinopathy, which is damage to the blood vessels in your retina and can cause blindness.
– nephropathy, which is damage to the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure.
– neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves and can cause problems with movement, sensation, and organ function.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious condition that can have major health consequences if not managed properly. Fortunately, understanding and managing diabetes doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you know the different types of diabetes, their causes, symptoms, and treatments. By taking control of your lifestyle habits such as eating healthy foods and exercising regularly, you can help reduce your risk for developing diabetes or manage any existing forms of diabetes. With the right information and support from healthcare professionals, living with diabetes can be manageable and even enjoyable!
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