Diabetes is a condition where the concentration of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood remains chronically high due to insufficient insulin production or decreased insulin effectiveness. Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood sugar, and when the body either does not produce enough insulin or it doesn’t work properly, blood sugar levels remain elevated, resulting in hyperglycemia.
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the pancreas losing its ability to produce insulin, often triggered by viral infections or autoimmune disorders, and is unrelated to obesity or lifestyle factors. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin (insulin resistance) or does not produce enough insulin, often linked to overeating, lack of exercise, and obesity.
In the early stages, diabetes often does not cause noticeable symptoms. However, common symptoms of high blood sugar include dry mouth, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss. In more severe cases, extremely high blood sugar levels can lead to a loss of consciousness.
Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure blood sugar levels and HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control. If these values exceed certain thresholds, a diagnosis is made. Another method of diagnosis involves measuring blood sugar levels after consuming glucose through a series of blood draws.
Treatment for diabetes generally involves three approaches: dietary therapy, exercise therapy, and medication. Type 1 diabetes is primarily treated with insulin injections, while Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes, and medications or insulin may be used if necessary.
Diabetes is not just a condition of high blood sugar. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, vision loss, and kidney dysfunction. Since diabetes often develops without obvious symptoms, it is frequently discovered only through medical testing.
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