Diabetes is a disorder, not a disease – this is something that we reinforce repeatedly. Unfortunately, that does not make it any less dangerous to our health or lives.
2. What are the types of diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition resulting in
high blood sugar levels, because of the
impaired glucose regulation in the body.
After having food, our digestive system
breakdowns the food into glucose and
other nutrients that are released into
blood. Insulin is a key hormone produced
by the pancreas and responsible for
glucose uptake from the blood to the cells
for their functioning.
Type 1
Type 2
Gestational
diabetes
3. What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes.
insulin levels, and develops when there is little or no insulin
production in the body. This form of diabetes represents up to 5%
of total diabetic population, mostly seen in children or young
adults, so it is also called ‘juvenile diabetes’.
4. What is type 2 diabetes?
In a human body, all the cells get
energy required for their processes
through glucose. The food we eat, as
it gets digested, is broken down to
nutrients and most importantly,
glucose and released into blood.
When a person’s pancreas is unable
to produce enough insulin to regulate
normal sugar levels in the blood or is
present but the body cannot utilize
insulin properly, the condition is
termed as Type 2 diabetes.
5. What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is the form of diabetes occurring in pregnant
women. This condition usually develops in the third trimester,
around 24th week of pregnancy and disappears after child birth.
In India, 4-21% of pregnant women are found to have gestational
diabetes.
In this condition, the blood sugar levels in the mother become too
high during the second half of pregnancy and disappear after child
birth. When gestational diabetes is uncontrolled or treated, the
sugar levels not only increase in the mother but also the baby and
cause harm to both.
