Types of Diabetes and its associatd risks:
- Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels properly.
- It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps glucose enter cells) or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
- Types of Diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes:
- Often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections to survive.
- Type 2 Diabetes:
- This is the most common form of diabetes and usually develops in adulthood.
- In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, and the pancreas may not produce enough insulin to compensate.
- Lifestyle factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition contribute to its development.
- Gestational Diabetes:
- This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy.
- Hormonal changes can lead to insulin resistance, causing high blood sugar levels.
- It usually resolves after delivery, it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Causes:
- The causes of diabetes vary depending on the type:
- Type 1 diabetes:
- The exact cause is unknown, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Type 2 diabetes:
- Factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetics, and insulin resistance contribute to its development.
- Gestational diabetes:
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to insulin resistance.
- Symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Frequent infections
- Associated Risks:
Untreated or poorly managed diabetes can lead to several complications, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Eye damage (retinopathy)
- Foot problems
- Skin conditions
- Increased risk of infections
- Preventive Measures:
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented but we can minimize the risk of developing type 2 diabetes through the following measures:
- Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
- Limiting the consumption of sugary and processed foods.
- Avoiding tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Seeking medical advice if you have a family history of diabetes or experience symptoms associated with the condition.
- For women planning to become pregnant, ensuring optimal health and managing weight before conception can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
| Type of Diabetes | Characteristics | Causes |
| Type 1 Diabetes | · Autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. | · Genetic predisposition · Environmental factors · Viral infections |
| Type 2 Diabetes | · Insulin resistance and impaired insulin production · Cells become resistant to the effects of insulin · Pancreas may not produce enough insulin. | · Genetic predisposition · Sedentary lifestyle · Obesity · Poor diet |
| Prediabetes | · Blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. | · Insulin resistance · Sedentary lifestyle · Overweight/obesity · Poor diet |
| Gestational Diabetes | · Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth · Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to insulin resistance. | · Hormonal changes during pregnancy · Overweight/obesity · Family history of diabetes |
| Secondary Diabetes | · Develops as a result of medications that impair insulin production or function | · Pancreatic diseases, · Hormonal disorders, · Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids) |
| Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) | · Rare genetic form of diabetes where individuals develop diabetes at a younger age. | · Inherited genetic mutations affecting the functioning of insulin-producing cells. |
| Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) | · Slow-onset autoimmune form of diabetes that resembles type 2 diabetes initially but progresses to insulin dependence. | · Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells similar to type 1 diabetes. |