Diabetes: The Types, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is known to be a metabolic disease; in which high levels of glucose in the blood are caused the body’s lack of ability to produce any or enough insulin.

Diabetes (image from: pixabay.com)

 Diabetes is of three types, namely: Type 1 Diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes; Type 2 Diabetes or Adult-Onset Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes. Now, let's take a look at the three basic types.

Type 1 Diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes

The type 1 diabetes which is also known as juvenile diabetes develops most often in young people; and can also develop in adults.

In this type of diabetes, the body no longer produces insulin or enough insulin; this is because the body’s immune system which protects you from infection by getting rid of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances, has attacked and destroyed the cells that produce insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes or Adult-Onset Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes, can affect people of any age, even children. It mostly affects middle-aged and older people; also, people who are overweight and inactive are also more likely to develop this type of diabetes.

Most recorded cases of type 2 diabetes frequently begin with insulin resistance (this is when fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin to carry glucose into the body’s cells so as to use for energy); as a result, the body needs more insulin to help glucose enter cells.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes which affects pregnant women, as they produce hormones that can lead to insulin resistance. During the late period of pregnancy, pregnant women have insulin resistance which does not allow the pancreas to make enough insulin during pregnancy.

Also, overweight or obese pregnant women have higher chances of gestational diabetes. Also, gaining much weight during pregnancy may raise the possibility of developing gestational diabetes.

In most cases however, gestational diabetes is cured after the baby is born.

Symptoms and Signs of Diabetes

People with diabetes can experience can experience different signs and symptoms, and in some cases, some do not experience any signs or symptoms.

Some of the signs or symptoms commonly experienced include:

Frequent urination

Excessive thirst

Increased hunger

Weight loss

Tiredness

Lack of interest and concentration

Tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet

Blurred vision

Frequent infections

Slow-healing wounds

Vomiting and stomach pain (people often wrongly take it to be the flu)

It is advisable to consult your health service provider if you show these signs and symptoms.

Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes:

Insulin injection

Prescribed oral medicines

Eating healthy food

Physical exercise

Maintaining good blood pressure levels

Controlling your cholesterol level

Treatment for type 2 diabetes includes:

Prescribed oral medicines

Eating healthy food

Physical exercise

Maintaining good blood pressure levels

Controlling your cholesterol level

Share this health tips with your friends and family!

Visit your health service provider for more information on DIABETES as well as treatment of diabetes.