What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage.
Types of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes, including:
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 Diabetes: A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin.
- Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, and blurred vision. Diagnosis is usually made through blood tests that measure blood sugar levels.
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar levels after fasting for at least 8 hours.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar levels before and after drinking a sugary solution.
- Hemoglobin A1c Test: Provides an average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
Treatment and Management
Managing diabetes involves lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. Treatment plans are individualized based on the type of diabetes and the patient's needs.
- Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help manage blood sugar levels.
- Medications: Medications may be prescribed to help control blood sugar levels.
- Insulin Therapy: Required for people with Type 1 diabetes and sometimes for those with Type 2 diabetes.