What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body has high sugar levels for prolonged periods of time. Diabetes happens when there is inadequate production of insulin, or insulin resistance. Symptoms may include frequent urination, excessive thirst or hunger, weakness, headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, slow healing of wounds and weight changes.
Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. It is caused by an autoimmune reaction that destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually develops in children or young adults. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels.
Type 2 Diabetes is a condition where the body does not use insulin properly, causing high blood sugar levels. It is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, such as being overweight, physically inactive, or having a family history of diabetes. It usually develops in adults. People with type 2 diabetes need to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy, when the body cannot produce enough insulin to handle the increased blood sugar levels. It affects between 2 - 10% of pregnant women each year. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and the child. Women with gestational diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels, follow a healthy eating plan, and exercise regularly to prevent complications.
Is Diabetes serious?
If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications:
• Heart disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Eye disease.
• Problems with erectile dysfunction.
• Nerve damage.
The first step in preventing or delaying the onset of these complications is recognizing the risk factors, as well as signs and symptoms of diabetes.
What are the signs and symptoms of Diabetes?
• Unusual thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Weight change (gain or loss).
• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy.
• Blurred vision.
• Frequent or recurring infections.
• Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal.
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
• Trouble getting or maintaining an erection.
However, many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.
Am I at risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
Risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes include:
• Being 40 years of age or older.
• Having a close relative (parent or sibling) who has type 2 diabetes.
• Being a member of a high-risk population, such as those of African, Arab, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous or South Asian descent, low socioeconomic status.
• Having a history of prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose).
• Having some evidence of the complications of diabetes, such as eye, nerve or kidney problems.
• Having heart disease.
• Having a history of gestational diabetes mellitus.
• Having high blood pressure.
• Having high cholesterol.
• Being overweight, especially around your abdomen.
• Having a history of giving birth to a baby that weighed over 4 kg (9 lb) at birth.
• Having obstructive sleep apnea.
• Having a history of using glucocorticoid medication.
Talk with your doctor to see if you’re at risk for Diabetes, a simple, painless blood test is all it takes to know.
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