Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin use by the body. There are three primary types: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to an insulin deficiency. It typically manifests in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. People with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to manage blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form, usually develops in adults but is increasingly seen in younger populations due to lifestyle factors. In Type 2, the body either becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal glucose levels. It’s strongly linked to obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits. Managing Type 2 diabetes often involves lifestyle changes, oral medications, and, in some cases, insulin.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes impair the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. Though it typically resolves after birth, it increases the mother’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life and can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Over time, unmanaged diabetes can lead to severe complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Preventing or managing diabetes requires a comprehensive approach, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and monitoring blood sugar levels. While Type 1 diabetes isn’t preventable, the risk of Type 2 diabetes can be significantly reduced with healthy lifestyle choices. Advances in diabetes care, including new medications, technologies for blood glucose monitoring, and lifestyle intervention programs, enable people with diabetes to manage their condition and lead healthy lives.