Adult Diabetes: What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in
which the body does not make or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that
is needed to convert sugar and other food into the energy needed for daily
life. People with diabetes have increased blood glucose levels due to an
absence of insulin, or resistance to insulin's effects. Since the glucose is
not processed into energy, the body loses its main source of fuel and the
glucose is absorbed into your blood. Having too much glucose in your blood can
damage your eyes, kidneys, and nerves over time.
You can start managing
your condition by learning more about your diagnosis, pinpointing diabetes symptoms
and seeking routine care.
Type 1
If your body fails to produce
insulin, you have type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed mainly in children and young
adults, type 1 diabetes requires daily injections of insulin.
Type 2
If your body produces a smaller-than-normal amount of insulin or fails to
properly use it, you have type 2 diabetes. The most common form of diabetes,
type 2 is managed by watching your diet, exercise and weight.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy
and should disappear soon after delivery. You can manage gestational diabetes
by eating healthy, exercising regularly and, if necessary, taking medication.
Women who develop gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing type
2 diabetes later in life.
Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when your blood glucose levels are
higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Studies
suggest that weight loss and increased physical activity can prevent or delay
diabetes and may return blood glucose levels to normal.
