Diabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by high levels of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Normally, when glucose enters your blood, your body signals a physiological response that keeps blood sugar levels steady. In those with diabetes, this response is abnormal.
Physiology
The simple sugar glucose is the preferred source of energy for your body. When you eat carbohydrates, your digestive system breaks them down into glucose that can be used for energy. Glucose then travels from the small intestine to your bloodstream. Normally when glucose levels build in your blood, it triggers the release of the pancreatic hormone insulin. Insulin binds to glucose and carries it from the blood to your cells and tissues, where it can be used as energy. Once glucose has been removed from the blood, the release of insulin stops until more glucose becomes available.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is classified into three major types: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an inability to make the hormone insulin. Usually this is a result of permanent damage to the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is generally diagnosed in childhood.
Those with type 2 diabetes have cells that are resistant to insulin. The pancreas is able to successfully produce insulin, but the cells do not respond to it. As a result, glucose and insulin levels in the bloodstream remain high. Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood.
Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy. Like type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance.
Risk Factors
Type 1 diabetes usually occurs as a result of genetics and cannot be controlled. Although family history and age play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, your risk of developing the condition increases if you are overweight or inactive.
Management
Management of diabetes differs slightly based on which type you have, although the goal for all types is to keep blood sugar levels within normal ranges. If you have type 1 diabetes, it is vital that you take insulin. Some people with type 2 diabetes require insulin therapy, but some manage successfully without it.
Healthy eating and monitoring carbohydrate intake are important management techniques for all types of diabetes. Controlling what types of carbohydrates and how many you eat can help prevent blood sugar levels from getting dangerously high. Exercise is also important for all types of diabetes. Exercise helps your body utilize blood sugar for energy and keep your levels steady.
It is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Even if you eat on a strict schedule, your blood sugar levels can be unpredictable. As a result, the only way to make sure you are within normal ranges is to test your blood sugar periodically throughout the day.
Complications
If you do not properly monitor and control your blood sugar levels, it can lead hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. Chronic hyperglycemia can cause heart disease, kidney damage and nerve damage. Hyperglycemia that is left untreated can also result in vision problems and even loss of vision. Unmanaged diabetes can also lead to a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This occurs when your body breaks down fat for energy and produces ketones, which are toxic, as a result.
