Diabetes Explained: The Symptoms and Risks

Mariana

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes, we have probably all heard of it, but what exactly is it? Diabetes mellitus can generally be defined as a disease that affects how the body uses blood sugar, otherwise known as glucose. Blood sugar is one of the body’s main sources of energy, and it is especially important for fueling the brain. For glucose to be useful, it must be taken up into the body’s cells, and this process is facilitated by a hormone called insulin. In general, there are different forms of diabetes, with Type 1 and Type 2 being the most common. Both types of diabetes lead to the inability of cells to properly uptake glucose.

Type 1 Diabetes

So, do you remember how we said that insulin is needed to facilitate glucose uptake into the cells? Well beta cells in the pancreas are primarily responsible for producing insulin. Unfortunately, in patients with type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly treats these cells as foreign pathogens and destroys them. This is what is typically known as an autoimmune response, where the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. Because of this, insulin cannot be produced, and the signal for glucose to enter the cells no longer exists. To compound the matter, since it cannot enter the cells, glucose builds up in the bloodstream leading to hyperglycemia. While this condition was fatal in the past, modern interventions that include insulin injections, physical activity, and a proper eating plan can allow you to still lead a healthy life.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

Frequent urination.
High levels of fatigue.
Blurred Vision.
Slow wound healing.
Excessive weight loss.
Feeling very Thirsty.
Persistent feeling of hunger.
Irritability and mood swings

Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes:

Genetics: Certain genes or gene mutations can increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
Family history: Having a family member with this condition increases your risk of developing it due to hereditary factors.
Age: Type 1 Diabetes tends to have an early onset, occurring primarily in children and teenagers.

Type 2 Diabetes

Similar to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is still caused by the inability of glucose to enter the cells, however, the underlying mechanism that causes this is quite different. Instead of an autoimmune response that destroys beta pancreatic cells, type 2 diabetes is caused by insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. Unfortunately, severe cases of type 2 diabetes can lead to the complete cessation of insulin production. Instances of extremely high insulin resistance force the pancreas to produce extremely high amounts of insulin. This increased stress can render beta pancreatic cells non-functional, leading the termination of insulin production. Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age, and it is far more common than type 1 diabetes, however, the condition can be treated with regular exercise, weight loss, medication or insulin therapy, and blood sugar tracking.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes:

Frequent Urination
High levels of fatigue
Blurred Vision
Slow wound healing
Excessive weight loss
Feeling very Thirsty
Persistent feeling of hunger
Tiredness
Frequent infections
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.

Darkened patches of skin around the armpits and neck.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes:

Age: Increased risk after 35 years old.
Physical Inactivity: Long periods of sitting and sedentary time can increase risk.
Excessive weight: Being obese or overweight is a primary risk factor.
Poor diet: Foods that are high in sugar or fat can increase risk.
Ethnic background: Certain people, such as those of Asian, African, or Native American descent have an elevated risk.