Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood glucose, or blood sugar, according to MayoClinic.com. Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses for fuel to carry out daily functions. While glucose is necessary, too much glucose can lead to serious health complications. Healthy eating, physical activity, adherence to medications and close blood sugar monitoring are important in treating diabetes and preventing complications. There are multiple causes of diabetes depending on the type.
Type 1 Diabetes
In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin, which is the molecule that helps glucose get into cells. Without insulin, glucose levels become too high in the blood and can cause serious health problems with the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums and teeth, states Medline Plus. The pancreas does not produce insulin because the body's immune system inappropriately attacks the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is most likely to occur in children and young adults, but can occur at any age.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the cells become resistant to the action of insulin and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance of the body's cells, states MayoClinic.com. Therefore, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and causes organ damage. Researchers are not completely sure of the cause of insulin resistance; however, many studies have linked excess fat and inactivity to type 2 diabetes. Therefore, healthy eating and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy. MayoClinic.com states that the placenta creates multiple hormones during pregnancy that are used to regulate the pregnancy. These hormones, however, make the body's cells more resistance to the actions of insulin. Therefore, insulin cannot move glucose into the body's cells as effectively. As the pregnancy progresses, the placenta produces more hormones that further reduce the effectiveness of insulin. MayoClinic.com further states that the pancreas can normally produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal; however, pregnant women still have difficulties. Gestational diabetes can also affect the baby--particularly the size of the baby--so early treatment and strict control of blood sugar levels is necessary.
