Diabetes- Understanding the Condition That Affects Millions

Globally, approximately 830 million people have diabetes, a chronic illness that affects the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels effectively. This article explores the three main types of diabetes, providing a better understanding of their causes, symptoms, and management. For more insights, all sources used and educational Youtube videos will be linked at the end.

Type 1 Diabetes (juvenile diabetes)

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease and is usually diagnosed in young people, but it can develop in anyone at any age. When someone has type 1 diabetes, their immune system treats their beta cells as foreign invaders and attacks them. Beta cells are cells that make and secrete insulin. When a significant amount of beta cells are destroyed, the pancreas either stops producing insulin or produces such a small amount that taking insulin makes it essential for survival. Insulin is a hormone that controls the level of glucose in the blood. There is no current cure for Type 1 diabetes but there are several options for insulin management, like daily injections or an automated insulin pump.

Risk factors of type 1 diabetes include:

Genetics
Age
Family history
Race
Weight

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes:

Excessive hunger
Excessive thirst
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Frequent urination
Slow healing wounds

Type 2 Diabetes (adult onset diabetes)

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, characterized by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or effectively use it. When insulin doesn’t function properly, excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Although there is no cure for Type 2 Diabetes, it can be managed by a combination of medications such as pills or injections, and lifestyle adjustments. Adopting healthy habits like making sure you’re physically active and planning balanced, healthy meals can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall health.

Risk factors of Type 2 diabetes include:

Genes
Overweight and obesity
Age
Health issues (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc)
Physical activity
Unhealthy eating habits
Ethnicity

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes:

Fatigue
Increased thirst and urination
Numbness or tingling in feet or hands blurred vision
Slow healing wounds
Weakness
Unintended weight loss

Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)

Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy (usually around the 24th week of pregnancy). Gestational diabetes often has no symptoms, with increased thirst and frequent urination as mild symptoms. If you are pregnant, you will most likely get screened for Gestational Diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks. If you already have diabetes, you should control your glucose levels before you get pregnant. You can treat Gestational Diabetes by making lifestyle changes, monitoring blood sugar, taking medication, and getting regular prenatal checkups. Generally, your blood sugar levels will return to normal after delivery, but you are at higher risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes later on.

Risk factors include:

Not being physically active
Being overweight or obese
Having prediabetes (blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes)
Had Gestational Diabetes during a previous pregnancy
Ethnicity
Having polycystic ovary syndrome
Given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds

Complications that may affect the baby: