Diabetes is a life-long disease that we frequently hear. It is a chronic disease where the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into the energy that we use as we go about our daily lives.
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. (WHO)
The cause of type 1 diabetes is not known and it is not preventable with current knowledge. Symptoms include excessive excretion of urine (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur suddenly. Type 1 diabetes was previously known as juvenile diabetes because it’s usually diagnosed in children and young adults. However, this chronic, lifelong disease can strike at any age. Those with a family history of Type 1 diabetes have a greater risk.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent, or adult-onset) results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. Type 2 diabetes comprises the majority of people with diabetes around the world, and is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity. Symptoms may be similar to those of type 1 diabetes, but are often less marked. This type of diabetes can occur when:
1. The body develops “insulin resistance” and can’t efficiently use the insulin it makes.
2. The pancreas gradually loses its capacity to produce insulin.
In a mild form, this type of diabetes can go undiagnosed for many years. That’s cause for concern, since untreated diabetes can lead to many serious medical problems, including cardiovascular disease. Type 2 diabetes may be delayed or controlled with diet and exercise.
Gestational Diabetes
When insulin is less effective during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is hyperglycaemia with blood glucose values above normal but below those diagnostic of diabetes, occurring during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery. They and their children are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.
Common consequences of Diabetes
Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes can lead to complications in many parts of the body and increase the risk of dying prematurely. Common complication such as stroke, blindness, heart attack, kidney failure and amputation.