What Is Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the body has difficulty regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose is the primary source of energy for cells, and it comes from the food we eat. To enter cells, glucose requires a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: This type occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin through injections or an insulin pump to survive. It is usually diagnosed in children or young adults, although it can develop at any age.
Type 2 Diabetes: This is the more common type of diabetes and typically develops in adulthood, although it's becoming more prevalent in younger individuals due to lifestyle factors. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to the insulin it does produce. This means that glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of entering cells.
There are also other less common forms of diabetes, such as gestational diabetes (which occurs during pregnancy) and various forms of monogenic diabetes (caused by mutations in a single gene).
Untreated or poorly managed diabetes can lead to various health complications over time, including heart disease, kidney disease, vision problems, nerve damage, and more.
Treatment for diabetes often involves a combination of lifestyle changes (such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight) and, in some cases, medication or insulin therapy. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial to ensure they stay within a healthy range.
It's important for individuals with diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan and to monitor their condition regularly.
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