Diabetes is a group of diseases that work in the endocrine system of the body. Diabetes in all forms creates an environment for hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Signs of high blood sugar are increased thirst, increased hunger, increased urination, increased fatigue and weight loss. Hyperglycemia can be managed in a variety of ways as diabetes is a very individualized disease process. The main treatment options are: a well balanced diet, increased exercise, self blood sugar monitoring, weight loss and medication management.
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common among the population at large. In this case, the body does not make enough insulin and/or the cells within the body are not able to properly utilize the insulin that is produced. It is important to note, that in type 2 diabetes the insulin production is still functioning, however the function is impaired.
Type 1 Diabetes, formerly known as Juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease. The common thought used to be that this only was diagnosable in childhood. However, we know now that is not the case.
When I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, my healthcare team explained the way that insulin worked like this: The cells are a locked house, glucose are the people that live in the house, and the insulin is the key. In order to get the people (glucose) into the house (cells) the key (insulin) has to unlock the door.
In the case of Type 1 Diabetes, the key is broken and cannot let the people into the house. The immune system attacks and kill the beta cells that are responsible for insulin production. When this does not take place, glucose builds and builds within the body causing high blood sugar.
Gestational Diabetes is the type that develops in pregnancy. Similar to the dysfunction of Type 2 Diabetes there is dysfunction in insulin production and utilization. During pregnancy, the different hormonal changes can create added stress onto the body leading to the diabetes. There is often a misunderstanding that the pregnant individual has somehow caused themselves to develop Gestational Diabetes. It is the way the body reacts to the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy. There is no way to prevent this disease. There are ways to lower your individual risk but it is all in the way your body reacts to the changes of the individual pregnancy.
Managing diabetes of any kind takes a lot of self participation and collaboration with your medical team. If you are undiagnosed and are experiencing any of these symptoms please consult your provider.
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2022). Diabetes Overview - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment. Diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/diabetes
Diabetes UK. (2022). Types of diabetes. Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/types-of-diabetes
International Diabetes Federation. (2020, March 26). What is diabetes. Idf.org. https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes.html
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