Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a lifelong disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood, a person’s main source of fuel. The disease affects a person’s ability to use blood sugar for energy. The main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 (the most common) and gestational (occurring during pregnancy). More than 20 million people in the U.S. are affected by diabetes.

What are the causes of Diabetes?

The exact cause of diabetes is unknown and a number of factors can be linked to it. It’s believed that genetics, viruses and autoimmune issues may play a role in type 1 diabetes. Type 2 is most commonly associated with obesity, inactivity and poor diet. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in women who didn’t previously have diabetes.
In healthy people, the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) releases insulin to help the body store and use the sugar from the food they eat. Diabetes occurs when of the following happens:

• The pancreas does not produce any or not enough insulin
• The body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin, also known as insulin resistance
• Both of the above

What risk factors are associated with diabetes?

Some of the main factors related to diabetes are:

• Family history of diabetes
• Obesity, inactivity and poor diet
• High cholesterol levels
• Age

Which symptoms identify diabetes?

While symptoms can vary from person to person, some of the common symptoms include the following:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Fatigue
• Hunger
• Weight loss
• Hunger
• Blurred vision

What is the cure or treatment for this disease?

While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed through a healthy lifestyle and medicines to control blood sugar and prevent symptoms. Weight management, blood pressure and cholesterol control are key to limiting effects of the disease, regardless of the type of diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes require regular insulin shots and those with type 2 may require insulin from time to time.

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