Diabetes affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose), its main fuel source. High blood sugar can lead to serious health problems. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are long-term conditions. Prediabetes is a warning sign of high blood sugar, potentially reversible. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and often resolves after childbirth.
Diabetes symptoms vary depending on blood sugar levels. Some people with prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes may not notice any symptoms. Type 1 diabetes symptoms appear suddenly and intensely. Insulin, which unlocks cells for glucose (fuel) entry, malfunctions in diabetes. This can cause excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing cuts, and frequent infections.
Diabetes symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and excessive hunger. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing complications. Work closely with your doctor to monitor blood sugar, adjust treatment, and maintain good health.
Diabetes disrupts how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. Glucose comes from carbohydrates and enters your bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone from your pancreas, helps glucose enter cells. In diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or cells don't respond well. This causes high blood sugar, leading to health problems.
Your body uses glucose as fuel, like a city uses energy. Insulin, a hormone from the pancreas, regulates blood sugar. It acts like a key, allowing glucose into cells for energy. Diabetes occurs when this system malfunctions. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. In type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to insulin.
Glucose fuels your body's cells, providing energy for all activities. It comes from food (broken down carbohydrates) and your liver (stored glycogen). Insulin, a hormone, helps glucose enter cells for energy use. Diabetes disrupts this process, either by insufficient insulin or ineffective use. This leads to high blood sugar, potentially causing health problems.
Diabetes risk factors vary by type. Family history increases risk for both type 1 and 2. Type 1 diabetes: autoantibodies can indicate higher risk but not guarantee it. Ethnicity and race also play a role in type 2 diabetes risk. Overweight and obesity increase risk of prediabetes, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Diabetes increases risk of serious complications over time. Uncontrolled blood sugar raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy can cause tingling, numbness, and pain, affecting digestion and even erectile function. Diabetic nephropathy damages kidneys, and diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss.
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and affects blood sugar processing. Most babies are healthy, but managing blood sugar is crucial. High blood sugar can lead to large babies, increasing delivery complications. Untreated gestational diabetes risks baby death before or after birth. It also increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. Preeclampsia, a serious complication, can occur in mothers. Women who had gestational diabetes are more likely to have it again.
Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune, irreversible. Lifestyle changes are key for type 2, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. A balanced diet, exercise (30+ minutes daily), and sometimes medication can help. Consult your healthcare provider for a personalized plan. It's never too late to improve your health.