Types Of Diabetes & Their Causes, Symptoms, & Prevention

By Author: Jessica Cristina
Total Articles: 20
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Diabetes is one of the most fatal health complications that occur in millions of people around the world. Heterogeneous in nature, diabetes is also an incurable condition developing in people who have improper dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and addiction to tobacco and alcohol. Various types of diabetes include type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Let's understand more about diabetes causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Causes of diabetes
Diabetes takes place due to either of the two causes. One, when the pancreatic beta cells are not able to make enough insulin for the body to function well. And second, when despite a stable insulin production, the body cannot utilize insulin at its best levels. One of the most vital hormones in the body, insulin is responsible for transporting glucose (derived from the food we eat) to every cell in the body. However, due to a lack of insulin or its improper use, glucose accumulates in the blood and results in high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).
Subsequently, an affected individual experience several signs and symptoms of diabetes. ...
... Some of the very well-known diabetes symptoms include an unusual increase in thirst and appetite, frequent urination, blurry vision, fatigue, and slow healing of simple wounds (especially in the feet).
Types of diabetes
Coming to types of diabetes, type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition that only frequently develops in children and young teenagers. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces too little or zero amounts of insulin. Hence, in order to maintain blood glucose levels, doctors and caregivers advise daily insulin intake through insulin pumps or injections.
On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, especially those being above 45 years of age. In this condition, although the production of insulin is adequate, the body fails to make effective use of the hormone. Type 2 diabetes also triggers further health problems like a diabetic eye, organ failure, and foot ulcers. Diabetic patients need to rely on regular insulin therapy along with prescribed oral medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Gestational diabetes (GDM) causes blood glucose levels to increase in pregnant women. According to experts, it usually takes place in the third trimester of pregnancy. If left untreated, gestational diabetes can have serious effects on both the mother and the child, as they are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Although its exact cause is not known yet, some of the risk factors for gestational diabetes can be age, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle, genetics, race or ethnicity, and previous medical complications.
Ways to prevent diabetes
While type 1 diabetes is not controllable, signs of type 2 diabetes can be prevented by making necessary dietary and lifestyle modifications such as:
● Avoiding sugar and refined carbs
● Adopting a low-carb, vitamin-rich, and high-fiber diet
● Indulging in regular exercises
● Staying hydrated every time
● Quitting smoking, alcohol
● Eating moderately throughout the day
● Shedding extra pounds
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, consult with your doctor regularly for more ways to curb further complications.