---What is Diabetes?----
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. This occurs either because the body does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) or because cells do not respond effectively to insulin.
---What Causes Diabetes?---
Diabetes can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Genetics: Family history can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Obesity: Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, is a significant risk factor.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance.
Poor Diet: High consumption of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to obesity and diabetes.
Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age.
Hormonal Changes: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase the risk of diabetes.
Autoimmune Factors: In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
---How Do You Know You Have Diabetes?---
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Extreme hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
Unexplained weight loss (more common in type 1 diabetes)
To diagnose diabetes, healthcare providers typically perform tests such as:
Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours.
Oral Glucose ToleranceTest: Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a glucose solution.
A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
---Types of Diabetes---
Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. Typically diagnosed in children and young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, characterized by insulin resistance. The body does not use insulin effectively. Often related to obesity and lifestyle factors.
Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Other Specific Types: These can include monogenic diabetes (resulting from a genetic mutation), secondary diabetes (due to other conditions), and certain hormonal disorders.