There are three different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Each type has a different cause. Having diabetes can lead to serious consequences. It is important to prevent the complications of diabetes by keeping blood sugars under control. Ways to do that are to follow the medication treatment plan as ordered by the doctor, monitor blood sugars regularly, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
The Body Does Not Make Insulin
The pancreas produces insulin. Insulin breaks down sugar from the food that we eat in order for the body to use it as energy. In type 1 diabetes the body does not make insulin or enough insulin. This type of diabetes usually begins in childhood. When one has type 1 diabetes, he requires insulin shots to break down the sugar in his body. The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, however there is usually a virus or environmental trigger that causes the body to attack the pancreatic islet cells that produce the insulin in genetically susceptible individuals, according to Medline Plus.
The Body Does Not Use Insulin Effectively
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body not using insulin effectively enough to keep blood sugars normal. Fat, the liver and muscles develop what is called insulin resistance. This condition leads to sugar not being able to be stored in the cells for energy. Being obese can contribute to the body not being able to use the insulin appropriately. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Increasingly, more and more children are getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes because of obesity and poor lifestyle and eating habits.
Hormones During Pregnancy
Some women have increased blood sugars during pregnancy. Women who experience gestational diabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Hormones in the placenta can block the action of the mother’s insulin in her body, causing insulin resistance. As a result, the mother’s body may need three times more insulin to use sugar appropriately for energy. Gestational diabetes can lead to complications for the mother at birth and for the child. It is important that expecting mothers are tested and treated for gestational diabetes to prevent these complications. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 4 percent of pregnant women experience gestational diabetes.
