Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects how the body processes food. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or when the body is unable to properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body absorb and use glucose, a type of sugar, from the foods we eat.
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve damage. People with diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly to keep their condition under control. Treatment for diabetes may include medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes insulin therapy.
Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce insulin. Without insulin, the body is unable to use glucose for energy. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, but can occur at any age. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, as well as insulin injections.
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or fails to use insulin effectively. Type 2 diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and may also require medication or insulin injections.
Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of the pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and may also require medication or insulin injections.
Prediabetes: Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health problems. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and may also require medication.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA): Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a form of type 1 diabetes that typically occurs in adults. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and may also require medication or insulin injections.
