A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistently high blood glucose (sugar) levels. This occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does produce.
- Insulin Deficiency or Resistance:
The primary issue is either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or the body’s inability to respond properly to the insulin it does produce.
- High Blood Glucose:
This leads to a build-up of glucose in the bloodstream, which can damage various organs over time.
- Types of Diabetes:
There are several types, including type 1 (autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells), type 2 (insulin resistance and often later, insufficient insulin production), and gestational diabetes (occurring during pregnancy).
- Symptoms:
Common symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, excessive hunger, blurred vision, and fatigue.
Complications:
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious long-term complications, such as cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, stroke – paralysis), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage causing tingling and numbness in feet) , kidney disease, eye damage (retinopathy), and foot problems.
