Understanding Diabetes: Types, Causes, and Symptoms
Hey Team,
Welcome to your Diabetic Guide. This week, we're going back to basics with an introduction to diabetes. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, it's always helpful to understand the fundamentals.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (also called glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key, allowing the sugar to be used as energy. However, with diabetes, this system doesn't work as it should.
Types of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin because the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It's usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common type. Your body doesn't use insulin properly, and over time, it can't make enough to keep your blood sugar at normal levels.
Gestational Diabetes: This type occurs in some women during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. However, women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Prediabetes: This is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Without intervention, prediabetes is likely to become type 2 diabetes in 10 years or less.
Causes and Symptoms
While the exact cause of diabetes is unknown, factors like genetics, obesity, lack of exercise, and poor diet can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Symptoms can include frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds.
Remember, knowledge is power. Understanding diabetes is the first step in managing it effectively. Stay tuned for our next edition where we'll delve into understanding blood sugar levels.
As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at thediabeticguideco@gmail.com.
Best Regards,
Joel
Diabetic Guide Team
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Please note that this information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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