Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine.
There are several different types, though 90-95% of diabetics diagnosed are Type 2. Type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes are the other two main types of diabetes. See multiple types here. (Types of diabetes info can go here.)
Symptoms of Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, very dry skin, slow-healing sores, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, increase in infections, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, consistent fatigue, irritability, and the presence of ketones in the urine. Some individuals only experience some symptoms, and others don’t experience any at all.
The presence of symptoms depends on the type of diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes typically experience severe, sudden symptoms, while people with Type 2 diabetes may not have any symptoms.
Type 1 diabetes generally develops in childhood; however, it can develop at any age. Type 2 diabetes is most common in people over the age of 40, but it can develop at any time. Gestational diabetes occurs as a result of pregnancy. The type of diabetes can be determined by several antibodies tests. A more recently identified type, Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) or Type 1.5 is a blend of Type 1 and Type 2 antibodies.
Treatment of diabetes
There are many current treatments for diabetes. Diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and stress reduction can help all diabetics better manage their disease. Type 1 diabetics also require the hormone insulin to be injected to live. Type 2 diabetics sometimes take oral medications or other injectable medications to help manage production of insulin and the way their bodies use the insulin they have. Eventually, Type 2 diabetics also use insulin. Other diabetics manage with any combination of insulin and other drugs. Technology has been a huge help to many diabetics who can gain access.