Diabetes Types Are Type2, Type 1 And Gestational Diabetes.

Diabetes is a common disease in every part of the world which can cause other serious ailments as well. In medical terms, it is a metabolic disorder in which human fails to produce or properly uses insulin, a hormone which is essential to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. The disease is marked by constant high levels of blood glucose (sugar). Human body should maintain the level of blood glucose at a very narrow range, which is done by insulin and glucagon. Glucagon helps the liver release glucose from its cells into the blood for energy production.

Diabetes can be classified into three major categories depending on its cause and symptoms. These categories are: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and Gestational diabetes. All of them are capable of affecting anyone irrespective of age.

Type 1 diabetes is sometimes referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes. This occurs when the body fails to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease since the body's immune system fights and kills its own cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes is the least common of the three types, and it affects mainly people below 40. Men are more affected by this type than women. Although its exact cause is not yet known, the factors likely to be responsible include hereditary, infection with viruses or bacteria, bad diet, exposure to chemicals etc.

The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes may appear slowly over a short period of time, which include feeling of increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, fatigue, loss of weight and blurred vision. Affected people must inject themselves with insulin on a daily basis to control their blood sugar levels. They must maintain a careful diet and perform a regular exercise. If not administered insulin, the people with type 1 diabetes may even die.

Type 2 diabetes, also called non insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes develops when the body produces enough insulin but cannot use it in an effective way. This condition is known as insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is the most common among the three categories and usually affects people over 40. The risk factors in Type 2 diabetes

include obesity, old age, high blood pressure, high levels of blood triglyceride, sedentary lifestyle, high fat diet, excessive drinking, and Gestational diabetes.

Its symptoms, which develop slowly, may include nausea or vomiting, fatigue, increased level of thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, change in weight, frequent infections and slow healing of wounds. It does not need insulin injections and can be treated by a regular exercise, altered dietary programs and oral medications.

Gestational diabetes develops only at the time of pregnancy. This type is found in 2-5% of all pregnancies and it usually disappears after the childbirth. Women with Gestational diabetes have an increased chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years.

The risk factors for Gestational diabetes include: obesity, family history, and increased mother's age. Gestational diabetes does not require any special treatment; it is possible to treat this type by self-care and modified dietary habits.

One must treat diabetes as early as possible if he/she wants to avoid serious consequences.

• Matt Thompson
• 08/02/2009, 8:59 AM
• 0 Comments