diabetes is a condition that impairs the body ability to process blood glucose,otherwise known as blood sugar.
there are several types of diabetes,which have various treatment.
in the united states the estimated number of people of all ages living with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes is 34.2 million
without ongoing, careful management, diabetes can lead to a buildup of sugars in the blood which can increase the risk of dangerous complications, including stroke and heart disease.
different kind of diabetes can occur,and how people manage the condition depends on the type. Not all forms of diabetes stem from a person being overweight or leading an inactive lifestyle.some are present from childhood.
the most common types of diabetes include type 1,type 2, and gastational diabetes, which we cover in more detail below.less common types of diabetes include monogenic diabetes and cystic fibrosis related diabetes.
TYPE 1 DIABETES
Also known as juvenile diabetes,type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin. insulin is a hormone responsiable for breaking down the sugar in the blood for use throughout the body. A person living with type 1 diabetes may receive a diagnosis during childhood.
people living with type 1 diabetes need to administer insulin on a regular basis. individuals may do this with injections or an insulin pump.
there is no cure for type 1 diabetes.once a person receives their diagnosis,they will need to regularly monitor their blood suger levels,administer insuline,and make some lifestyle changes to help manage the condition.
successfully managing blood sugar levels can help people living with type 1 diabetes avoid serious complications.some common complications include
- ketoacidosis
- nerve damage
- issues with the eyes
- increased risk of skin infection
- issues with the kidneys
- cardiovascular disease
- foot problems,including numbness
- high blood pressure
- stroke
TYPE 2 DIABETES
people with type 2 diabetes do not make or use insulin effectively.according to the national institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney diseases ,this is the most common type of diabetes,and it has strong links with obesity.
A person living with type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin. in many cases,medication along with changes in exercise and diet can help manage the condition.
Anyone, including children and adults,can develop type 2 diabetes. the most common risk factors for type 2 diabetes include
1)age 45 or older
- overweight
- family history
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when an individual becomes less sensitive to insulin. According to the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC),between 2-10% of pregnancies each year result in gestational diabetes.
individuals who are overweight going into their pregnancy have an elevated risk of developing the condition.
during pregnancy ,individuals can take steps to manage the condition. these include
- staying active
- monitoring the growth and development of the fetus
3)adjusting their diet - monitoring blood suger levels
gastational diabetes can increase a person"s risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.it can also cause.
1)premature birth
- increased birth weight
3)blood sugar issues with the newborn,which typically clear up within a few days - increased risk of the baby devloping type 2 diabetes later in life .