Articles

Diabetes – Types, Causes, and Symptoms

by Apollo Hospitals Delhi Touching Lives

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that can cause an excessive buildup of sugar in the blood. Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, is responsible for transferring glucose to the cells. Depending on the type of diabetes, it can either affect how the body produces insulin or how it responds to the hormone. 


Types


  1. Type 1 Diabetes

Also known as juvenile diabetes, this type of diabetes is categorised as an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes require artificial insulin to stay alive. While type 1 diabetes is most common in children, it can develop in people of all ages. 


  1. Type 2 Diabetes

This type of diabetes is a result of insulin resistance. While insulin production is unaffected, the cells in the body do not use insulin effectively. This causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed by the cells. Type 2 diabetes is common in older adults. However, children with obesity can be at risk of developing this disease. 


  1. Prediabetes 

Prediabetes is a condition that precedes type 2 diabetes. Those with the condition have higher blood sugar than normal levels but not high enough to warrant a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is reversible and can be managed with diet, exercise, medications and lifestyle changes. If left untreated it could develop into type 2 diabetes. 


  1. Gestational Diabetes

Pregnant women could develop insulin resistance due to insulin-blocking hormones produced by the placenta. This condition resolves after giving birth. 



Causes


The causes of type 1 diabetes are still unknown. Doctors speculate that genetics could play a role in triggering the immune system to attack the pancreatic cells. 


Type 2 diabetes is majorly attributed to genetics and lifestyle problems. Obesity and lack of exercise increases one’s chance of developing the condition. However, it has also been observed in people with active lifestyles and is largely due to genetics, family history and other factors. High cholesterol, high triglycerides and high blood pressure could be risk factors for type 2 diabetes. 


Gestational diabetes is more likely to occur in women who are overweight when they conceive or who put on weight during pregnancy. 



Symptoms


Abnormal amounts of blood sugar can cause the following symptoms:

  • Increased hunger and thirst

  • Frequent urination

  • Sudden weight loss

  • Fatigue 

  • Irritability

  • Blurry vision

  • Slow-healing sores and wounds

  • Recurring skin, bladder or gum infections


Diabetes can also lower the sex drive and cause erectile dysfuntion in men. In women, it could cause frequent urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and dry/itchy skin. 


Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals is home to some of the best diabetes doctors in Delhi. Our department of endocrinology offers expert diagnosis and treatment to manage obesity, diabetes and all endocrine disorders. 


Today, over 77 million Indians live with diabetes and this number grows everyday. This is why The Apollo Group has established the Apollo Sugar Clinics that are dedicated to the treatment of diabetes. Here, one can find a team of expert endocrinologists, dieticians, exercise consultants, counselors and some of the best diabetes specialist doctors in Delhi NCR  and the country. 


Click here to explore our endocrinology services or to book an appointment today. 



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About Apollo Hospitals Delhi Junior   Touching Lives

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Joined APSense since, April 22nd, 2019, From Delhi, India.

Created on Sep 2nd 2021 03:24. Viewed 332 times.

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