Knowing the type and cause helps you manage it better and stay healthy.
Diabetes: Types, Causes, and Related Health Problems
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a long-term health condition where the body can’t manage sugar (glucose) properly. This happens when the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it well. Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the body’s cells for energy. When this doesn’t happen, sugar stays in the blood and can lead to serious health problems.
Main Types of Diabetes
1. Type 1 Diabetes
This happens when the immune system attacks the pancreas, stopping insulin production. It usually starts in childhood. Causes can be genetic or due to infections.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
This is more common and usually affects adults, though children are also getting it now. The body becomes insulin-resistant, often due to being overweight, lack of exercise, or family history.
3. Gestational Diabetes
This happens during pregnancy. Hormones from the placenta block insulin, leading to high blood sugar. It’s more common in women who are overweight or gain too much weight during pregnancy.
What is Insulin Resistance?
It means the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin. At first, the pancreas makes extra insulin to keep sugar levels normal. But over time, it can’t keep up, and blood sugar rises.
Health Problems Caused by Diabetes
If not managed well, diabetes can lead to:
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Nerve pain (neuropathy) – starts with tingling and can lead to numbness
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Eye damage (retinopathy) – affects vision and can lead to blindness
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Foot problems – poor healing and risk of infections
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Heart attack and stroke – high sugar damages blood vessels
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Kidney damage (nephropathy) – affects waste removal from the body
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Gum problems – causes plaque, tooth decay, and bad breath
How to Stay Healthy with Diabetes
Most diabetes-related problems can be prevented or controlled. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, taking the right medicines, and following a healthy lifestyle with regular check-ups can help people with diabetes live well.
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