What is Diabetes?

Summary

Diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels become too high, either due to insufficient insulin production or improper insulin use. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, while type 2 involves the body not using insulin effectively. Both types require managing blood sugar through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular health checks to prevent complications like heart, kidney, and eye diseases. With proper care and treatment, diabetes can be managed, helping individuals lead healthier lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Diabetes is a disease where blood glucose levels become too high.
• 🍎 Glucose, the main source of energy for our body, comes from the food we eat.
• 🩸 Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose enter cells for energy.
• 🔬 In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• 💉 People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily since their bodies can no longer produce it.
• 🍩 In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t use insulin well or doesn’t produce enough.
• ⚖️ Both types of diabetes can lead to high blood sugar, requiring medication or insulin to manage it.
• ❤️ High blood glucose can lead to serious health issues like heart, kidney, nerve, and eye diseases.
• 📊 Monitoring blood glucose with an A1C test helps people with diabetes stay within their target range.
• 🥗 People with diabetes should make healthy lifestyle choices like eating well, exercising, and managing blood pressure.
• 🚭 Quitting smoking is an essential step for managing diabetes and preventing complications.

Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the amount of glucose, or blood sugar, in the body gets too high. Glucose is the main source of energy for our cells, but when the body can't regulate it properly, it leads to diabetes.

How does the body normally handle glucose?

Normally, insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from the food we eat enter our cells to be used for energy.

What happens when the body can't produce enough insulin?

When the body can't produce enough insulin—or any at all—glucose can't enter the cells properly, leading to high blood sugar levels, which can result in diabetes.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to live.

How is type 2 diabetes different from type 1?

In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't use insulin properly or the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to effectively transport glucose into the cells. People with type 2 may need insulin or other medications to manage their blood sugar levels.

What are the potential health problems caused by high blood glucose in diabetes?

High blood glucose in diabetes can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye diseases.

Can diabetes be managed?

Yes, diabetes can be managed. By regularly checking blood glucose levels, taking prescribed medications, making healthy food and activity choices, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and quitting smoking, individuals with diabetes can reduce the risk of complications.

What is the A1C test, and why is it important for people with diabetes?

The A1C test measures the average blood glucose levels over a few months. It's important for people with diabetes to monitor their A1C levels to ensure their glucose levels are within a target range, which helps reduce the risk of health problems.

What lifestyle changes are recommended for people with diabetes?

People with diabetes are advised to make healthy food choices, stay physically active, manage their blood pressure and cholesterol, and quit smoking to improve their overall health and control blood sugar levels.

Where can people learn more about diabetes?

To learn more about diabetes and how to prevent or delay health problems, individuals can visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website at www.niddk.nih.gov or call 1-800-860-8747.