Currently, diabetes has become a worldwide condition which is affecting both young and old. It is a global pandemic. The question in everyone’s minds is,“What is diabetes and how can it be prevented?”

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease caused by a very high percentage of sugar inside the body. Due to the inability of the body to create insulin, a lot of people are suffering from this disease. Most of the patients affected by this disease would experience symptoms such as frequent urination and an increase in hunger and thirst. Patients who would suffer from the disease would need to control their sugar daily. There are two types of diabetes. The first one is the insulin dependent type and the second is non-insulin dependent.

So what is diabetes and what are the differences between the two types? The first type is Type One or the insulin-dependent type. Patients who would suffer from type one would usually need at least one daily insulin injection. With Type Two diabetes the patient would not necessarily need an insulin shot. In type two, the body has an inability to create insulin due to mechanical problems with the body’s organs. Type two diabetes is often referred to as adult-onset diabetes. There is a third type of diabetes, however it only affects pregnant women. Pregnant women have high glucose level due to a condition which is known as Gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes usually subsides after pregnancy.

Type one is frequently diagnosed in small children and additionally young adults. It is usually termed juvenile child diabetes. Patients that have diabetes mellitus would need to have regular checkups, since they may be suffering from problems inside their body related to diabetes.

It is speculated that diabetes can be genetically transmitted among the family members. Often a family history will be a good indicator of one’s risk for the disease. Females that have been diabetic for the duration of pregnancy, or who give birth toa relatively large child are at a higher risk for the disease.

Diabetes can cause retinal damage, chronic renal failure, and even cardiovascular diseases. Mild or acute complications include hypoglycemia so the patient would feel very weak and sleepy. A regular visit to the doctor or a clinical physician is a must.

Diabetics must also take special care of their extremities. The small vessels in the fingers and toes are very susceptible to the damage caused by the disease. Foot ulcers in diabetics can lead to amputation. It is vital to wear protective footwear and take care of your feet if you are diabetic.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.