Diabetes is a group of conditions in which the body cannot produce enough insulin, or none at all. When any of these things happen, the body is unable to get blood sugar into the cells. This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Glucose, the form of sugar found in the blood, is one of the main sources of energy. A lack of insulin or insulin resistance causes sugar to build up in the blood, which can lead to health problems. The three main types of diabetes are: type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes; gestational diabetes.
What are the causes of diabetes?
Causes of type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune condition. This means that the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The damage is permanent. It is not clear what prompts these attacks. There can be both genetic and environmental reasons. Lifestyle factors are not thought to play a role.
Causes of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes begins as insulin resistance. This means the body can’t use insulin effectively, causing the pancreas to produce more insulin until it can’t keep up with the demand. Insulin production then decreases, causing high blood sugar. The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown. Contributing factors may include:
- genetics;
- a more sedentary lifestyle;
- overweight or obesity.
Causes of gestational diabetes
The causes of gestational diabetes are known. Gestational diabetes is caused by insulin-blocking hormones that are produced during pregnancy. This type of diabetes occurs only during pregnancy. It is often found in people with pre-existing pre-diabetes and a family history of diabetes. About half of people diagnosed with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes
Common symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes include:
- excessive thirst and hunger;
- frequent urination;
- drowsiness or tiredness;
- dry, itchy skin;
- blurry vision;
- slow healing wounds.
Type 2 diabetes can cause discolored patches in the skin folds of the underarms and neck. Because type 2 diabetes usually takes longer to be diagnosed, the patient may experience more symptoms at the time of diagnosis, such as pain or numbness in the feet.
Type 1 diabetes often develops more quickly and can cause symptoms such as weight loss or a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur when the patient has very high blood sugar but little or no insulin in the body.
Symptoms of both types of diabetes can appear at any age, but type 1 usually occurs in children and young adults. Type 2 usually occurs in people over the age of 45. But younger people are increasingly being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes because of sedentary lifestyles and weight gain.
What are the potential complications of diabetes?
Complications of diabetes generally occur over time. Having poorly managed blood sugar increases the risk of serious complications that can become life-threatening. Chronic complications include:
- vascular disease, which can lead to heart attack or stroke;
- eye problems (retinopathy);
- skin infections or conditions;
- nerve damage (neuropathy);
- damage to the kidneys (nephropathy);
- amputations due to neuropathy or vascular disease.
Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, especially if blood sugar is not well managed.
Complications of diabetes during pregnancy
High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of:
- high blood pressure;
- preeclampsia;
- miscarriage or stillbirth;
- congenital malformation.
How are the different types of diabetes treated?
Regardless of the type of diabetes the patient has, it must be managed with the help of medical recommendations. The main goal is to keep your blood sugar in the target range. It is the doctor who communicates the target interval to the patient. Targets vary depending on the type of diabetes, age, and the presence of complications. For gestational diabetes, blood sugar targets will be lower than for people with other types of diabetes. Physical activity is an important part of diabetes management. Diet is also essential. In addition, blood pressure and cholesterol should be monitored.
All people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to live because the damage to the pancreas is permanent. There are different types of insulin available, with different times of onset, peak and duration. Insulin is injected just under the skin. There are now continuous blood glucose monitors that check blood sugar 24 hours a day. The patient will need to monitor their blood sugar throughout the day. If necessary, they may also need to take medication to manage cholesterol, high blood pressure, or other complications. Type 2 diabetes can be managed and sometimes even reversed with diet and exercise. It can also be treated with a variety of medications to help manage blood sugar.
How do you prevent diabetes?
There is no known prevention for type 1 diabetes. You can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes if you:
- manage your weight and focus on a nutrient-dense diet;
- you exercise regularly;
- avoid smoking, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol.
If you have gestational diabetes or prediabetes, these habits can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.
What should you remember?
- There is no cure for type 1 diabetes. It requires lifelong management of the disease. But with consistent monitoring and adherence to treatment, you may be able to avoid more serious complications of the disease.
- Type 2 diabetes can often be successfully managed or even reversed.
- If you have gestational diabetes, it will probably resolve after the baby is born. However, you are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
