Diabetes Overview

Diabetes

Definition

• A group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels due to impaired insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
  • Autoimmune disease: body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
  • Insulin deficiency: requires insulin therapy to control blood sugar levels.
• Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
  • Insulin resistance: body's cells become resistant to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
  • Insulin deficiency: may eventually require insulin therapy, but can often be managed with lifestyle changes and/or oral medications.
• Gestational Diabetes (GDM)
  • Develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester.
  • Caused by hormonal changes and insulin resistance.
  • Typically resolves after pregnancy, but increases the risk of developing T2D later in life.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Common symptoms
  • Increased thirst and hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
• Less common symptoms
  • Slow healing of cuts and wounds
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
  • Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Complications of Diabetes

• Acute complications
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Chronic complications
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Nephropathy (kidney disease)
  • Retinopathy (eye disease)
  • Neuropathy (nerve damage)

Diagnosis and Management

• Diagnostic tests
  • Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test
  • Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test
• Management
  • Lifestyle changes: healthy diet, regular exercise, weight loss
  • Medications: oral medications, insulin therapy
  • Monitoring: regular blood sugar checks, HbA1c tests