Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition where blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high, occurring when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or use it effectively, leading to glucose buildup in the blood, causing symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurry vision, with types including Type 1 (autoimmune), Type 2 (insulin resistance), and Gestational (pregnancy-related). Management involves diet, exercise, medication (like insulin), and monitoring, with complications affecting eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1: The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells; cannot be prevented, often diagnosed in childhood.

• Type 2: Body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it well (insulin resistance); linked to lifestyle, age, and ethnicity, sometimes preventable

• Gestational: Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth, but increases future risk. 

Common Symptoms

• Increased thirst and frequent urination.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Fatigue and weakness.

• Blurred vision.

• Slow-healing sores.

• Frequent infections (skin, gum, vaginal). 

Causes & Risk Factors

• Type 1: Autoimmune destruction of beta cells.

• Type 2: Insulin resistance, genetics, overweight/obesity, older age, certain ethnicities.

Management & Treatment

• Lifestyle: Healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight management.

• Medications: Oral drugs or insulin injections.

• Monitoring: Regular blood sugar checks and eye/foot exams.

Complications (if uncontrolled)

• Heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, nerve damage (neuropathy).