Diabetes is a long-term medical disorder caused by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. This occurs when the body either produces insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin, which controls blood sugar or when it uses insulin inefficiently.
The three primary types of diabetes are as follows:
Type 1 diabetes: This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to target and destroy the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. In order to control their blood sugar levels, people with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin or use an insulin pump.
Type 2 diabetes: With 90–95% of cases being this kind, it is the most prevalent type of diabetes. It is typically brought on by a combination of hereditary and lifestyle factors, such as obesity and physical inactivity. Although the body continues to manufacture insulin in type 2 diabetes, it becomes less effective at maintaining blood sugar levels.
Gestational diabetes: Pregnancy can lead to this type of diabetes, which often disappears after delivery. It takes place when hormonal changes associated with pregnancy cause the body to become less sensitive to insulin.
Diabetes can cause major health issues like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness if it is not addressed, Increased thirst, frequent urination, impaired vision, exhaustion, and slowly healing wounds are some signs of diabetes. Diabetes can cause major health issues like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness if it is not addressed. As a result, it’s crucial to manage diabetes by taking medicine, making lifestyle adjustments, and regularly checking blood sugar levels.
Depending on the kind and severity of the condition, the symptoms of diabetes can vary, however, some common ones are as follows:
Frequent urination: The kidneys attempt to eliminate extra sugar from the blood by filtering it out when blood sugar levels are high. Urination becomes more frequent as a result.
Increased thirst: Excessive urination can cause dehydration, leading to increased thirst.
Fatigue: A person may experience fatigue and exhaustion if their cells are not receiving enough glucose for energy.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause swelling in the lens of the eye, leading to blurry vision.
Slow-healing wounds: High blood sugar levels can affect blood flow and the ability to fight infections, making it harder for the body to heal wounds.
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet: Nerve damage brought on by high blood sugar levels might result in tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
Increased hunger: When cells don’t get enough glucose for energy, the body can crave more food.
It’s crucial to remember that some diabetics, particularly in the beginning stages of the condition, may not exhibit any symptoms. In order to prevent diabetes, it’s crucial to get frequent checkups and blood tests, especially if you have risk factors like obesity, physical inactivity, or a family history of the illness.
