What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the body is not able to effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to use glucose, or sugar, as energy. When the body cannot efficiently use insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This can lead to a variety of health complications, including vision problems, kidney damage, and nerve damage.
Types of Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin. This form of diabetes usually develops during childhood or adolescence and is not preventable.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is caused by a combination of lifestyle factors and genetics. It is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin it produces efficiently. This form of diabetes is usually associated with being overweight or obese, being physically inactive, and having a family history of diabetes.
Risk Factors for Developing Diabetes
Risk factors for developing diabetes include being overweight or obese, having a family history of diabetes, being physically inactive, having high cholesterol or blood pressure, and having a history of gestational diabetes. Other risk factors include certain ethnicities, such as African-American, Hispanic, or Native American, and certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or pancreatitis.
Preventing Diabetes
The best way to prevent diabetes is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking. Additionally, regular health checkups can help identify those at risk for developing diabetes, and lifestyle changes can be implemented to reduce the risk.