Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which your body has trouble controlling the sugar (glucose) level in your blood. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the sugar amount in your blood. When you are diabetic, your body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin your body produces effectively.

Untreated high level of blood sugar can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs.

Types of diabetes

There are three main diabetes type– type 1, type 2 and gestational.

• Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but occurs mostly in children and adolescents. In type 1 diabetes your body produces very little or no insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes occur mostly in adults. In type 2 diabetes, your body does not make good use of the insulin that it produces.
• Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a diabetes type that consists of high blood glucose during pregnancy and is associated with complications to both mother and child.

Symptoms of diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes are caused by rising blood sugar level.The main symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Loss of weight
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Extreme fatigue
• Sores that don’t heal

Symptoms in men

Men with diabetes may include symptoms:

• A decreased sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction

Symptoms in women

Women with diabetes may include symptoms:

• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary tract infections
• Yeast Infections
• Dry, Itchy skin

Causes of diabetes

Different causes are associated with each diabetes type.

Type 1 diabetes:

Healthcare provider don’t know exactly what causes type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes stems from a genetics combination and lifestyle factors.

Type 1.5 diabetes:

Type 1.5 is an autoimmune disease that causes when the pancreas is attacked by your own antibodies.

Gestational diabetes:

The main cause ofgestational diabetes as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy.

The bottom line:

Both genes and environmental factors play an important role in triggering diabetes.

Diabetes complications

High blood sugar level damages organs and tissues throughout your body.

Diabetes prevention

Type 1 and type 1.5 diabetes are not preventable because they are caused with the immune system issue. Some type 2 diabetes causes, such as your genes or age, aren’t under your control either.