Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Glucose, a type of sugar, builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin.
Symptoms of diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type of diabetes you have. However, some common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
Risk factors for diabetes
There are a number of risk factors for diabetes, including:
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Family history of diabetes
- Age (over 45)
- Race/ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans are at increased risk)
- Certain medical conditions, such as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes
Complications of diabetes
Diabetes can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Blindness
- Amputation
- Nerve damage
Treatment for diabetes
There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed with medication, diet, and exercise. Treatment for diabetes typically includes:
- Insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes and some cases of type 2 diabetes
- Oral medications for type 2 diabetes
- Diet and exercise for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Prevention of diabetes
There is no sure way to prevent diabetes, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk, including:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular exercise
- Eat a healthy diet
- Limit your intake of sugary drinks
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress
- Get vaccinated against chickenpox and shingles
If you have any of the symptoms of diabetes, see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
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