Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2)

A chronic metabolic condition, diabetes mellitus is defined by elevated blood sugar levels resulting from either inadequate insulin generation or incorrect insulin use. It falls essentially into two categories: Type 1 and Type 2.
An autoimmune disorder, type 1 diabetes, causes the immune system to assault beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Usually developing in children and young people, it needs lifetime insulin treatment.
More common and usually occurring in adults, type 2 diabetes results from relative insulin insufficiency and insulin resistance. Among the contributing elements are obesity, a lazy lifestyle, a hazardous diet, and hereditary inclination.
Typical symptoms of both types of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and poor vision. Untreated, diabetes can cause major problems including heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Blood tests, including fasting glucose, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance tests, constitute part of the diagnosis. Management consists of lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), oral drugs, insulin treatment (for Type 1 or advanced Type 2), and continuous blood sugar level monitoring.
Prevention of complications and preservation of a good quality of life for those living with diabetes depend on early identification and constant management.