What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus or Diabetes is a chronic disease of the pancreas in which the body cannot properly use and store glucose.
When we eat anything, the body converts it into sugar and added to our blood. When blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin supplies sugar to the body's cells as energy.
When the pancreas does not make insulin, the amount of sugar in the body increases. Insulin is required for survival, which helps control the amount of sugar in the body.
What are the two main types of diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes:
In the first type of diabetes (T1D), your body produces less or no insulin at all. The cells in the pancreas that make insulin are destroyed to produce insulin.
The first type of diabetes is more common in youngsters and children. Such patients have to use insulin continuously. There is no treatment for this type of diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes:
In the second type of diabetes, the body does not produce sufficient insulin or the body cannot fully use insulin. Because of this reason, the amount of sugar in the body increases.This type of diabetes takes a long time to develop. This type usually affects older people, but not necessarily. It can also happen to teenagers and children.
Who is at risk for diabetes?
Risk factors comprise:
- Type 1: Family history
- Type 2: Obesity, inadequate exercise, genetics
How is diabetes treated?
By changing our lifestyle, we can fight this disease. For example, losing weight, eating healthy food, physical exercise, and keeping ourselves busy.