Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition in which the body is unable to properly regulate the levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Glucose is an important source of energy for the body and is obtained from the food we eat. In people with diabetes, the body is unable to use glucose effectively, leading to high levels of sugar in the blood. This can cause a range of symptoms and complications.
There are two main types of diabetes mellitus:
- Type 1 diabetes: This form of diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate the levels of glucose in the blood. Without insulin, the body is unable to use glucose effectively, leading to high levels of sugar in the blood. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults and is treated with insulin injections or an insulin pump.
- Type 2 diabetes: This form of diabetes is more common and is usually caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin and is unable to use it effectively, leading to high levels of sugar in the blood. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and oral medications, but some people may also need insulin injections or an insulin pump.
There are several ways to diagnose diabetes, including:
- Fasting blood glucose test: This test measures the level of glucose in your blood after an overnight fast. A normal blood glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. A blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
- Oral glucose tolerance test: This test measures the body’s ability to use glucose after you drink a sugary solution. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
- A1C test: This test measures the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Diabetes is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 422 million people had diabetes in 2014, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years.
There are several risk factors for developing diabetes, including:
- Family history: If you have a parent or sibling with diabetes, you are more likely to develop the condition.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes.
- Age: The risk of developing diabetes increases as you get older.
- Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk of developing diabetes.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can increase your risk of developing diabetes.
- Abnormal cholesterol levels: High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol can increase your risk of developing diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes: Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.