Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by a constant high level of sugar in the blood. It can develop in people of any age group, however, people over 40 years of age are more likely to develop diabetes mellitus. Though it is controllable, ignorance of the disease often leads to chronic heart diseases and kidney diseases. Here’s everything you need to know about Diabetes.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the ability of the body to produce or use the insulin hormone is impaired resulting in high blood sugar levels and uncommon metabolism. The pancreas is the gland which produces insulin hormone which is responsible to move glucose in the body. Diabetes develops either because the pancreas is not producing enough insulin or the ability of body cells to use insulin is impaired.

Types

Diabetes usually develops because of insufficiency of Insulin hormone in the body. Sometimes, diabetes might develop during pregnancy. Based on the cause of high blood sugar, diabetes is of four types.

Prediabetes

It is not really a type but an early stage of diabetes with alarming signs that if left uncontrolled, your body will develop chronic diabetes. It is easily controllable with a healthy diet and regular workout.

Type 1 Diabetes

This is a condition when the body is not producing sufficient amount of Insulin leading to metabolic disorders. People with type 1 Diabetes require regular injections of insulin. It is diagnosed generally during adolescence or adulthood.

Type 2 Diabetes

This is a condition in which the ability of cells to use insulin is diminished, this condition is known as insulin resistance. If left controllable, it also affects the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin. The common cause of this condition is obesity.

Gestation Diabetes

This is a condition developed during pregnancy in women. During pregnancy, often the sugar level in the blood will go high which is the cause of temporary diabetes in women. However, this condition is sometimes the cause of type 2 diabetes in the mother or the child after a few years.

Symptoms

In the early stages of diabetes or during prediabetes, symptoms are hardly noticeable. Once developed, a person with diabetes can show the symptoms like frequent urination and excessive thirst. Increased hunger, blurry vision and body fatigue are also observed. In a person with diabetes type 2, common symptoms are pretty much the same as in a person with type 1 diabetes. However, more body fatigue is commonly observed. Women with gestational diabetes generally do not show any symptoms.

Causes

The common cause of diabetes is excess body weight. Most of the people diagnosed with any types of diabetes were found to be over-weight. In some people, diabetes may develop since birth because of insulin resistance. An unhealthy diet is also one of the root causes of increased blood sugar level in the body. 

Treatment

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder and can be prevented or at least controlled with some lifestyle changes. Type 1 diabetes requires regular injections of insulin. Type 2 can be controlled by following a healthy diet and regular physical workout plan. All diet or workout plans should be approved by your doctor before starting them. Some medications are often prescribed to the patients by their doctor. An obese diabetic should consult their doctor to decide their ideal body weight and the best way to reach it. 

*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.