Diabetes, What it is, Types, Causes, Symptoms, Early Signs and Risk Factor

Diabetes: Diabetes, a prevalent condition that impacts individuals across age groups, manifests in various forms, with Type 2 being the most widespread. Effectively managing this condition and preventing complications is achievable through a blend of treatment approaches. Diabetes arises when your blood sugar levels soar, a result of either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or ineffective utilization by the body.

• In the United States, approximately 34.2 million people of all ages are living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes.
• Without consistent and careful management, diabetes can result in an accumulation of sugars in the bloodstream, elevating the risk of severe complications such as stroke and heart disease.
• Diabetes comes in various forms, and how individuals handle the condition varies depending on the type. It's important to note that not all types of diabetes are linked to being overweight or leading a sedentary lifestyle; some forms may be present since childhood.
• The most prevalent types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, which we'll delve into more detail shortly. Additionally, there are less common types such as monogenic diabetes and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

Diabetes, What Is It?

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Types

1. Type 2 diabetes: This type arises when your body falls short in insulin production and/or your body's cells don't respond adequately to insulin (a condition known as insulin resistance). It's the most prevalent form, impacting adults primarily but also found in children.
2. Prediabetes: Considered a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes signifies elevated blood glucose levels that haven't reached the official diagnosis threshold for Type 2 diabetes.
3. Type 1 diabetes: Characterized as an autoimmune disease, Type 1 diabetes involves the immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas for reasons yet unknown. While it's typically diagnosed in children and young adults, it can manifest at any age.
4. Gestational diabetes: This type surfaces during pregnancy in certain individuals. Although gestational diabetes typically resolves post-pregnancy, those affected face a heightened risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Diabetes Causes

1. Insulin Resistance: The primary culprit behind Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. This occurs when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver fail to respond appropriately to insulin. A range of factors, including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, dietary choices, hormonal imbalances, genetics, and certain medications, contribute to varying degrees of insulin resistance.
2. Autoimmune Disease: Type 1 diabetes and LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) manifest when your immune system launches an attack on the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.
3. Hormonal Imbalances: Pregnancy triggers the release of hormones from the placenta, inducing insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes may develop if your pancreas can't generate sufficient insulin to counteract this resistance. Other conditions linked to hormonal imbalances, such as acromegaly and Cushing syndrome, can also lead to Type 2 diabetes.
4. Pancreatic Damage: Physical harm to your pancreas, resulting from a condition, surgery, or injury, can impede its insulin production, giving rise to Type 3c diabetes.
5. Genetic Mutations: Specific genetic mutations are implicated in MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young) and neonatal diabetes.

Diabetes Symptom

Additional details about symptoms per type of diabetes include:

• Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms of T1D can manifest swiftly—over a span of weeks or months. Additional symptoms may emerge, indicating a severe complication known as diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a critical condition necessitating immediate medical attention and is characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pains, breath with a fruity aroma, and labored breathing.
• Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: Symptoms for Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes may be subtle or even absent, as they tend to develop gradually. Elevated blood sugar levels, detectable through routine bloodwork, might precede noticeable symptoms. An additional potential indicator of prediabetes is the presence of darkened skin in specific areas (acanthosis nigricans).
• Gestational Diabetes: Symptoms of gestational diabetes typically go unnoticed. Screening for gestational diabetes usually occurs between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, conducted by your healthcare provider.

How common is diabetes?

Diabetes Early Signs

• Toilet - going for a wee a lot, especially at night.
• Thirsty - being really thirsty.
• Tired - feeling more tired than usual.
• Thinner - losing weight without trying to.
• Genital itching or thrush.
• Cuts and wounds take longer to heal.
• Blurred eyesight
• Increased hunger.

Diabetes Risk Factor