Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. Diabetes develops when our body is unable to absorb sugar (glucose) and use it for energy. This causes an accumulation of extra sugar in our bloodstream. Diabetes comes in many forms, each with its own set of causes, but they all share the problem of having too much glucose in your bloodstream. Medication and/or insulin are used as treatments. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent some types of diabetes.
Symptoms
Our blood sugar level determines our diabetes symptoms. Some people, especially those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, may not have any symptoms. Type 1 diabetes symptoms appear quickly and are more severe.
Symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:
- Having more thirst than usual.
- Frequent urination
- Losing weight without putting forth any effort.
- Urine ketone levels.
- Being tired and weak.
- Being irritable or having other mood swings.
- Having blurry vision.
- Having slow-healing sores.
- Recurrent infections, such as gum, skin, and genital infections.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is classified into three types: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means that immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in our pancreas that make insulin by mistake. Type 1 diabetes affects approximately 5-10% of all diabetics. Type 1 diabetes symptoms frequently appear fast.
Type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance is the first sign of type 2 diabetes. This means that our bodies cannot use insulin efficiently, causing our pancreas to produce more insulin until it can no longer meet demand. Insulin production then declines, resulting in high blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes affects 90-95% of diabetics.
Gestational Diabetes
Pregnant women who have never had diabetes develop gestational diabetes. If anyone has gestational diabetes, their baby may be more vulnerable to health problems. Gestational diabetes usually disappears after the baby is born.
Common complication of diabetes
High blood sugar levels harm organs and tissues throughout the body. The higher the blood sugar level is and the longer we live with it, the more likely we are to develop complications.
Diabetes complications include the following:
- Stroke, heart attack, and heart disease
- Neuropathy
- Nephropathy
- Retinopathy and vision impairment
- Loss of hearing
- Infections and sores that do not heal on the feet skin conditions such as bacterial and fungal infections
- Depression
