Diabetes is a disorder that occurs when your blood sugar levels (glucose) are abnormally high. It develops when your pancreas does not produce enough or any insulin, or when your body does not adequately respond to insulin’s effects. Diabetes affects individuals of all ages. The majority of diabetes cases are chronic (lifelong), and all can be managed with medication and/or lifestyle adjustments.
Glucose (sugar) is mostly derived from carbs in food and beverages. It’s your body’s primary source of energy. Your blood transports glucose to all of your cells, where it is used for energy. When glucose enters your bloodstream, it requires assistance — a “key” — to reach its intended destination. This key is insulin, a hormone.
If your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or your body does not use it correctly, glucose accumulates in your bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Over time, having continuously high blood glucose levels can lead to health complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.
Types of Diabetes
There are several forms of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system targets and destroys pancreatic cells, which produce insulin. It is unclear what caused this incident.
- Type 2 diabetes develops when your body grows resistant to insulin and sugar accumulates in your bloodstream. It’s the most common form—about 90% to 95%of persons living with diabetes have type 2.
- Type 1.5 diabetes is also referred to as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). It begins in adulthood and progresses gradually, much like type 2 diabetes. LADA is an autoimmune illness that cannot be addressed by food or lifestyle.
- Gestational: Gestational is elevated blood sugar during pregnancy. The placenta produces insulin-blocking substances, which cause this kind of diabetes.
Each kind of diabetes has unique symptoms, causes, and therapies.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms differ from person to person. The early stages of diabetes have few symptoms. You may not be aware that you have the condition. However, damage to your eyes, kidneys, and cardiovascular system may have already occurred. Common symptoms include:
- Extreme hunger
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or sleepiness
- Blurry vision.
- Slow-healing wounds, sores, or bruises.
- Dry and itchy skin.
- Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
- Frequent or recurring yeast infections of the skin, gums, bladder, or vagina
People who have excessively high blood sugar levels may develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This is a very serious consequence of uncontrolled diabetes. People with DKA may have:
- Repeated nausea or vomiting
- Deeper, quicker breathing.
- The fragrance of nail paint remover on your breath
- Weakness, sleepiness, tremor, confusion, or dizziness
- uncoordinated muscle movement
What are the Causes?
An excess of glucose flowing in the circulatory system causes diabetes, irrespective of the type. However, the explanation for your elevated blood glucose levels varies according to the kind of it.
The causes include:
- Insulin resistance is a major cause of type 2. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver do not respond appropriately to insulin. Obesity, lack of physical activity, food, hormonal imbalances, heredity, and certain drugs all have a role in varied degrees of insulin resistance.
- Autoimmune disease: Type 1 and LADA occur when your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of your pancreas.
- Hormonal imbalances: During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that promote insulin resistance. You may develop gestational D if your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to overcome insulin resistance. Other hormone-related diseases, such as acromegaly and Cushing syndrome, can also result in Type 2 diabetes.
- Pancreatic damage: Physical damage to your pancreas, whether from an illness, surgery, or injury, can impair its ability to produce insulin, leading to Type 3c.
- Certain genetic mutations can result in MODY and neonatal diabetes.
Certain drugs, such as HIV/AIDS treatments and corticosteroids, can cause Type 2 if used for an extended period.
Living with It
Well-controlled diabetes allows you to live a normal life. However, you must closely monitor your food, weight, exercise, and medication. If you do not manage your diabetes, you will have too much glucose in your blood. This can cause major health problems such as heart disease, nerve damage, and renal failure. You may also lose eyesight and sensation in your legs. These are referred to as diabetic complications.
The longer you have uncontrolled disease, the more damage you cause to your health. That’s why treatment is vital at any age. Keeping blood sugar levels extremely near to the ideal can decrease, delay, and in some cases even prevent the issues that diabetes can cause.