Commonly known as diabetes, diabetes mellitus is one of the most common lifestyle diseases that can affect people of all ages. It occurs when a person’s body is unable to use or make its insulin which is required to process sugar present in the bloodstream. Thus, diabetes causes increased blood sugar levels which can further result in serious complications like nerve damage. 

Types of Diabetes 

Diabetes mellitus is of different types including Type 1, Type 2, pre-diabetes, and gestational diabetes. 

Type 1 diabetes is said to have occurred when a person’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells present in the pancreas. Thus, the body loses its ability to produce insulin due to this autoimmune disease. 

Type 2 diabetes occurs when a person’s body becomes resistant to insulin, therefore, even artificially administered insulin doses cannot help the condition. 

Pre-diabetes is the condition when one’s blood sugar levels are higher than the normal range, however, not high enough to be identified as diabetes. If untreated, it may result in type 2 diabetes and other conditions such as stroke and heart diseases. 

Gestational diabetes occurs when women experience high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It is caused due to the insulin-blocking hormones that are produced by the placenta during this period. 

Another condition, known as diabetes insipidus, is an altogether different condition unrelated to diabetes or a person’s blood sugar levels. It occurs when a person’s body is unable to retain water as their kidneys abnormally remove excessive amounts of fluids. 

Complication of diabetes 

Diabetes, when untreated, can lead to various complications. High blood sugar levels can damage a person’s eyes, kidneys, nerves, and other such important organs or body tissues. Common complications caused due to diabetes are: 

• Vision loss and retinopathy 
• Skin conditions like fungal and bacterial infections 
• Heart diseases 
• Stroke 
• Nerve damage or neuropathy 
• Kidney damage or nephropathy 
• Hearing loss 
• Sores or infections in the foot 

Gestational diabetes has its own set of complications and can affect the health of the mother and the child. Common complications that may affect the baby include jaundice, low blood sugar, overweight, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Premature birth and stillbirth may also occur due to gestational diabetes. 

The Bottom Line 

Since the underlying cause is different for different types of diabetes, their treatments also vary. While insulin doses are usually prescribed in type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes requires diet management, improved physical fitness, and a healthy lifestyle to manage the condition. In case it still doesn’t improve, certain medications and drugs are prescribed by the doctor to control the blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes calls for regular monitoring of the blood sugar level during pregnancy. Though a healthy diet and exercise can help lower the blood sugar level, insulin doses may be required in a few cases. 

If you or any of your loved ones is suffering from diabetes, consult the experts at HJ Hospitals for better management and improved health. Diet and lifestyle play a major role in controlling the condition, thus, find out how you can keep your blood sugar levels under check without consuming a lot of medicines. Schedule an appointment today and step towards a healthier life.