Diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that impairs the body’s ability to process blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. Blood glucose is the body’s main source of energy and comes from the food a person eats. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps regulate or control blood sugar levels. With diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make.

Types of Diabetes:

There are three major diabetes types: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas fails to produce insulin. Genetics and some viruses may contribute to type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent and must take artificial insulin daily.

Type 2 diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body metabolizes glucose. The body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal glucose levels.

Gestational diabetes:

Gestational diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy. Similar to the other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar. This condition does not occur in all women and typically resolves after giving birth.

Symptoms of Diabetes:

The most common symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Increased hunger and thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Blurred vision
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Frequent infections

Causes of Diabetes:

There are different causes for each type of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes:

The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. However, it is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.

Type 2 diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes also develops from a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight or obese can increase one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes:

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body is unable to make the extra insulin needed during pregnancy.

Treatment for Diabetes:

Diabetes can be treated with several medications, including:

Type 1 diabetes

Insulin is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes. The four most common types of insulin include rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

Management of type 2 diabetes includes weight loss, regular exercise, healthy eating, blood sugar monitoring, and possibly diabetes medication or insulin therapy.

Gestational diabetes

Women with gestational diabetes will need to monitor their blood sugar levels several times a day during pregnancy. If blood sugar levels are high, dietary changes and exercise may be enough to bring it down.

At ForCare Medical Center, we can help you manage your diabetes and find relief. Contact ForCare Medical Center today to schedule your appointment.