What is Diabetes? types, symptoms, and treatment.

Diabetes education
Diabetes education

Diabetes is a disease that results when blood sugar or blood glucose is high in the body. It is a long-lasting disease. Blood glucose is the source of energy in the body. It comes from the food we eat. The pancreas releases a hormone which is Insulin. Therefore, Insulin helps the glucose reach the body cells. However, sometimes the body does not make enough Insulin. This means that the glucose stays in the body. It does not reach the cells. This hence results in the illness. Too much glucose in the body causes health problems. For instance; heart disease, kidney disease, and even loss of eyesight. It is a serious disease and has no cure.

1.Type 1 Diabetes.

In this type of diabetes, the body attacks itself. This destroys cell in the pancreas that produces Insulin. This type of diabetes mostly occurs in children and young adults. Patients with type 1 diabetes have to take insulin every day for survival.

2.Type 2 Diabetes.

The body does not make insulin or use it well. This is the cause of this type of diabetes. A person of any age can develop this type of diabetes. Moreover, it is the most common type.

3.Gestational.

This type develops in some women while they are pregnant. In addition, it mostly goes away after the baby is born. However, they are great chances of having type 2 later.

Symptoms.

  • Frequent urination.
  • Weight loss.
  • Tiredness.
  • Infections such as skin and gum infections.
  • A lot of hunger.
  • Increase in thirst.
  • Blurred vision.

Causes.

  • Type 1 – Viruses and genes cause this type of diabetes.
  • Type 2 – Overweight and inactivity results to type 2.

Prevention.

Type 2 can be prevented by being active. In addition, losing weight and eating a healthy balanced diet are also important. However, no one knows how to prevent type 1.

Treatment.

Controlling the blood sugar level is the main treatment. This is by insulin injections and diet. In addition, oral medications also help.

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