The term diabetes refers to a group of different conditions, rather than just one. Diabetes is a general term for metabolic disorders that affect the way the body uses blood glucose, or blood sugar. All types of diabetes result in high levels of glucose in the blood, either because of abnormal insulin production, abnormal insulin response, or a combination of both.
Blood Sugar Physiology
The body prefers glucose as its main source of energy. Glucose comes from the food you eat -- mainly carbohydrates -- as well as the liver. When you eat carbohydrates, the body breaks it down into simple sugars. These sugars move from the digestive system into the bloodstream, where they trigger the release of insulin from the pancreas. In healthy people, insulin binds to the glucose and helps the cells use them for energy. When the cells use the glucose, the levels of glucose in the blood drop. As a result, the release of insulin also stops. Diabetes occurs when a part of this process is disrupted.
Types of Diabetes
There are various types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, pre-diabetes and gestational. Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of an abnormal immune response. The immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, destroying them. When these cells are destroyed, insulin can't be produced properly and blood sugar levels increase. Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes occur when the cells become resistant to insulin. The cells in the pancreas properly produce insulin, but the body cells don't react properly to the hormone. Because of this, blood sugar levels increase. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. The placenta produces a hormone that makes the cells insulin resistant. This type of diabetes usually goes away at the end of the pregnancy.
Symptoms
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can cause a variety of symptoms, whereas prediabetes and gestational diabetes don't usually cause any symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Possible symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision. Diabetics also experience an increased incidence of infections and slow wound healing. MayoClinic.com says it's important to contact a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. The sooner diabetes is controlled, the lower the risk of complications.
Considerations
Diabetics must monitor their own blood sugar levels several times throughout the course of a day. Blood sugar levels are usually measured by pricking the fingertip until a small drop of blood is drawn. This drop of blood is then placed on a strip called a glucose strip, which is then inserted into a glucose meter. The glucose meter reads the blood sugar level and displays it on a screen. The blood sugar level determines how much insulin should be administered or whether food should be consumed.
Complications
Untreated diabetes can lead to various health complications. Chronic high blood sugar levels can cause cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis, according to MayoClinic.com. Uncontrolled diabetes can also lead to nerve damage, which may eventually cause kidney damage, eye damage and damage to the foot. Foot damage can lead to infections, which may result in amputation of the foot.
