Diabetes: Types, causes, and related disorders

Diabetes is a common, but chronic health condition. It is one of the leading causes of death, the world over. In patients suffering from this disease, there is a malfunction in the way the body regulates and uses glucose -the sugar that we get from the food we eat.

In a healthy person, this glucose is released into the bloodstream in regulated quantities. Our pancreas plays an important role in breaking down food and regulating our blood sugar. In diabetics, however, the pancreas which releases a hormone called insulin does not do its job.

Their bodies either do not make the required quantity of insulin or can’t use the insulin that is made, in the manner that it should. This is a cause for concern, as insulin regulates the absorption of glucose into the different cells in the body and provides them with energy to function.

When glucose in the bloodstream exceeds the permissible level, it results in high blood sugar. This high blood sugar leads to further complications like vision loss, disorders of the circulatory system, nervous system, and immune system.

Common types of diabetes

1. Type 1 diabetes

It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas, where insulin is made.

• Causes of Type 1 diabetes

Cause for this type of diabetes may be either genetic or environmental triggers, set off by a viral infection. In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system which normally fights infection, attacks and destroys the body’s insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

2. Type 2 diabetes

It is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin, and sugar builds up in the blood. Also known as adult-onset diabetes, this type of diabetes stems from a mix of factors that are both genetic and lifestyle related. Though it is more common in adults, in recent times, there has been an increase in the number of children suffering from this type of diabetes.

• Causes of type 2 diabetes

Obesity, extra fat in the midriff, and sedentary lifestyles are known to be causes that make cells more resistant to the effects of insulin on blood sugar. Much like Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes also tends to run in families and occurs more often in certain racial and ethnic groups.

Insulin resistance

It is a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells do not use insulin well. As a result, more insulin is required to help glucose enter cells.

Insulin secretion

Initially, the pancreas takes on this function and secretes more insulin, but over time, the pancreas can’t make enough insulin, and blood glucose levels increase beyond normal levels.

3. Gestational diabetes

It occurs when the blood sugar levels increase during pregnancy.

• Causes of Gestational diabetes

Certain hormones produced by the placenta block the insulin that is produced by the pancreas, resulting in insulin resistance and high levels of glucose in the blood. Women who are already overweight when they get pregnant or who gain too much weight during their pregnancy are more likely to get gestational diabetes.

Diabetes-related disorders

Diabetes impacts health in several ways, over time. Some of these are considered chronic and debilitating, while some of them can be cured.

1. Nerve pain

Peripheral Neuropathy starts as a tingling feeling and then goes on to numbness and pain. This condition causes damage to the nerves and the small blood vessels that nourish the nerves with oxygen and nutrients.

2. Diabetic Retinopathy

The eyesight of diabetics is commonly affected by changes in fluid levels, swelling in the tissues, and damage to the blood vessels in the eyes.

3. Foot disease

It caused by nerve damage can result in restricted blood circulation and make the healing of sores and cuts slower.

4. Cardiac issues and stroke

High blood sugar over a long period can damage blood vessels and lead to heart attacks and strokes.

5. Nephropathy

High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the kidney and make it harder to clear extra fluid and waste from the body.

6. Gum disorder

Diabetics normally have a high amount of blood sugar in their saliva. This makes it possible for harmful bacteria to grow in their mouth. When this bacteria combines with food, it forms a sticky film called plaque which causes gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.

Diabetes can also cause impotence and bladder dysfunction. This is caused by nerve damage and reduced blood flow in the genitals and bladder.

Complications resulting from diabetes can most often be controlled by keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood fats under control. In addition, diabetics must have regular health checks, medication, and lifestyle changes to live healthy lives.