Diabetes and Endocrine Disorders

Diabetes and Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how your body processes glucose (sugar), which is the body's primary source of energy. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2, along with other less common forms like Gestational Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, which is essential for regulating blood sugar. It typically develops in childhood or adolescence, and individuals. People with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar levels.

Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 Diabetes is a form of diabetes is more common and is often linked to lifestyle factors, including obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Initially, it can often be managed with lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, but medication or insulin may be necessary as the condition progresses.

Here are some factors that may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes:

• Genetics
• Insulin Resistance
• Obesity
• Unhealthy Diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Other Medical Conditions

Gestational Diabetes (GDM):

Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can't make enough insulin during your pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that acts like a key to let blood sugar into the cells in your body for use as energy. This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. It can, however, increase the risk of both the mother and the child developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

The common symptoms of Gestational diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Tingling or numbness in the extremities

Long-term, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve damage.