Diabetes is a serious condition that can cause major health problems if not treated properly. It’s important to understand the causes of diabetes, what it looks like, and how you can prevent it if possible. We’ve put together this guide on everything you need to know about diabetes—from understanding what diabetes is in the first place to symptoms, treatment options, and more.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body stops responding to it. Insulin helps to break down the sugar from foods into energy your body can use. When you don’t have enough insulin in your bloodstream, this excess sugar builds up and causes high levels of glucose (sugar).
What are the different types of diabetes?
There are several types of diabetes, which can be broadly divided into two categories: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease caused by factors such as overeating, not getting enough exercise, or being overweight.
Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. It usually goes away after pregnancy but sometimes requires treatment afterward. Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults develops slowly over time and may require insulin therapy earlier than other types of diabetes do.
Can you get rid of diabetes?
Diabetes is a lifelong condition. It cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Type 2 diabetes is not contagious—it’s not like you can catch it from someone else or from a virus or bacteria. You are born with it or get it because of your lifestyle choices (like eating too much sugar). Even though diabetes isn’t a death sentence, there are many things you can do to manage your diabetes.
What are the main causes of diabetes?
The main causes of diabetes are as follows:
● Genetics: Having a family history of diabetes makes you more likely to develop this condition.
● Obesity: Excess body weight can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and people who are obese often have other health problems that make them more susceptible to the disease.
● Lack of exercise: Regular physical activity helps control blood glucose levels, prevents heart disease and stroke, and may reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes in the first place.
● Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes during pregnancy can also lead to type 2 diabetes later on if not properly managed during pregnancy by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly after you give birth, and taking medication as prescribed when needed.
Are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes the same thing?
While the names may sound similar, they’re actually quite different. Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes. It’s usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and it happens when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age but tends to be more common among older adults and those who are overweight or obese. This type is caused by a combination of genetics (your family history) and lifestyle factors like being inactive or eating foods high in sugar and fat over time without enough exercise to burn them off (like overeating).
What are the symptoms of diabetes? How can I tell if I have it?
In order to know whether you have diabetes, it’s important that you understand what symptoms exist. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications and even death. Here are some of the most common signs:
● Increased thirst
● Increased hunger
● Excessive urination (especially at night)
● Weight loss (or weight gain) with no change in activity level or diet
Conclusion
There are many different types of diabetes, and it is important to know which type you have. The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type you have, so it’s important that you talk with your doctor about what they mean for you.
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