Diabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels, commonly referred to as blood sugar, are too high. Glucose serves as the body’s main source of energy and is derived from both the food you eat and what your body naturally produces.
The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps glucose enter your cells to be used for energy. When the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, stops producing it altogether, or fails to use it effectively, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed by the cells.
Over time, unmanaged diabetes can lead to complications such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. It is also associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Taking proactive measures to prevent or manage diabetes can significantly reduce these risks.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. SOURCE-www.niddk.nih.gov
Types of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes, but the most common include type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
1. Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. This condition is often diagnosed in children and young adults but can occur at any age. People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. This condition is often associated with risk factors such as obesity, an unhealthy lifestyle, and a family history of diabetes.
Adopting a healthier lifestyle—like eating a balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight—can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
3. Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. However, women who experience gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. In some cases, diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy may actually be type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes and Other Types of Diabetes
Prediabetes refers to blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Without intervention, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes and increase the risk of heart disease.
Less common forms of diabetes include monogenic diabetes, caused by a single gene mutation, and diabetes resulting from pancreatic conditions like cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis.
Why is Diabetes Management Important?
Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, including a significant number in India. Over time, high blood glucose can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve issues, and vision problems. However, managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can help prevent or delay these complications.
At Gulati Diabesity, Bhopal, we are committed to helping you understand, prevent, and manage diabetes effectively. Through personalized care and expert guidance, we aim to empower you to lead a healthier life.