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Diabetes is a common disorder that affects at least 346 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization. It is the most common of the endocrine disorders and at its most basic level, it is the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or respond to insulin which results in a person having very high blood sugar levels. Insulin is the hormone that regulates the uptake of glucose (sugar) by the body’s vital organs. There are various types of diabetes. Let’s discuss the types and treatment so you know what the risks are and how to face them.
Diabetes is the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar and there are three manifestations of this failure:
Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 is caused by the body inability to produce insulin. This is the most serious form of the disease and it currently requires that a person inject insulin on a daily basis. Failure to do so can result in vomiting, dehydration, and at worst diabetic coma and death.
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 is characterized by insulin resistance; the body and its cells are unable to properly process insulin. Generally not as dangerous as Type 1, Type 2 causes a person to suffer from long-term high blood sugar and this can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other health problems.
Gestational Diabetes: The gestational form of the disease that pregnant women, generally without a history of diabetes, develop the condition for the duration of their pregnancy. They suffer from high blood sugar during their pregnancy, and this can sometimes lead to the development of Type 2 later in life.
The good news about diabetes is that it is a very manageable disease, provided the affected have access to a good level of medical treatment. People suffering from diabetes must live a lifestyle that has a diet that regulates their blood sugar levels in addition to taking any medication that may be required. It is crucial that people who suffer with the condition are properly diagnosed and medically treated; failure to do so can be catastrophic and even fatal.
People can be born with diabetes, but it is also a disease that can develop at any point in life. Type 1 is often attributed to genetics and it cannot be prevented, but Type 2 can. There is a strong link between obesity and the development of Type 2, meaning that a diet that is high in sugar and fats can lead to diabetes. It is important that you prevent your chances of developing Type 2 by engaging in healthy eating practices that include a healthy balance of fruits, grains, vegetable, and protein. Some things, like Type 1, you can’t control, so it is important that you take control of the things you can by creating a lifestyle that prevents Type 2.
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