Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic disease that occurs due to elevated levels of blood glucose (sugar). There are 2 types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. The insufficient production of the hormone insulin causes type 1 while type 2 occurs because the body’s cells don’t respond to insulin. The pancreas produces insulin in response to increases in blood glucose.
Type 1 diabetes
Approximately 10% of diabetics have type 1 diabetes. Diagnosis typically occurs in children or adolescents. However, symptoms may not appear until early adulthood. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable. Instead, an autoimmune reaction causes the body’s own cells to destroy insulin-producing cells.
Type 2 diabetes
Nearly 90% of diabetes cases are type 2. Increased age, having a family member with diabetes, lack of exercise, heart disease, and obesity are some of the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.
Increased urination, increased hunger, increased thirst, and weight loss are common symptoms of diabetes. Complications can range from retinopathy to nephropathy, cardiovascular disease, and foot ulcers.
A diagnosis of diabetes can made using a fasting plasma glucose test, casual plasma glucose test, or oral glucose tolerance test.
For type 1 diabetics, recommended lifestyle modifications include splitting total caloric intake between meals 4-5 hours apart and exercise, which increases the response to insulin.
Type 2 diabetics can focus on maintaining consistent physical activity and following dietary modifications as this can normalize insulin release and decrease insulin resistance.
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This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
