About diabetes

what is diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that leads to too much sugar (glucose) in the blood, because the body cannot break down sugar in a normal way.

The scientific name for diabetes is diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by too high blood sugar, which is caused either by too little insulin in the blood or by abnormal insulin action in the blood.

the main types of diabetes

Type 1

Type 2

Type 3

Gestational diabetes

This type of diabetes develops when most or all of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed, resulting in a significant insulin deficiency.

It is most common to get the disease in childhood or adolescence, but people can get it later.

The pancreas produces insulin, but its activity is severely reduced. The body initially tries to correct this defect by increasing insulin production beyond normal, in order to maintain balance. After a few years, the pancreas gives out, insulin production decreases, and blood sugar rises as a result. Therefore, this slow-moving disease is usually present for many years before it is diagnosed.

For the vast majority, the main cause is to be found in heredity. Lifestyle, overweight, diet and lack of exercise can accelerate the activation of the genetic factors.

Major risk factors for type 2 diabetes
Having a relative with diabetes

Having diabetes during pregnancy

Being overweight

Having high blood pressure

Suffering from atherosclerosis (e.g. coronary artery occlusion)

Having too high blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)

The disease often appears in the second half of pregnancy. The woman still produces insulin, but it does not work as well as it did before she became pregnant. Diet and exercise are important for the development of the fetus, and it is often necessary to add insulin to the treatment to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits.

The main symptoms of diabetes are

thirst
frequent urination
tiredness
loss of appetite and weight loss
itching around the genitals
skin and mucous membrane infections

These symptoms apply to all types of diabetes. If a person has these symptoms, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Diabetes is treated with

Correct diet
Movement
Medication administration