Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. This condition arises either because the body cannot produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or because the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin. The body becomes resistant to insulin, and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance. Most common in adults, but increasingly seen in children and adolescents due to rising obesity rates. Managed with lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), oral medications, and sometimes insulin.
Here are the main types of diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes : An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily.
- Type 2 Diabetes : The most common form, occurring when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin. It can often be managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.
- Gestational Diabetes : Develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth, but it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.