Diabetes is a chronic, incurable disease caused by a deficiency or lack of use of insulin leading to excess sugar in the blood. Produced by the pancreas, insulin is a hormone that allows glucose (sugar) in food to be used by cells of the human body. The cells have all the energy they need to function.
If insulin is insufficient or if it does not fulfill its role adequately, as is the case in diabetes, glucose (sugar) cannot be used to fuel cells. It then accumulates in the blood and is then released into the urine. Over time, hyperglycemia caused by excessive glucose in the blood leads to certain complications, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels.
To date, the actual cause of diabetes remains unknown. We know that certain factors may influence the development of diabetes: heredity, obesity, pregnancy, certain viruses or certain medications.
Types of Diabetes :
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Sometimes, also develops diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
» Type 1 diabetes :
- Type 1 diabetes occurs either in childhood, adolescence or young adults. It is characterized by the complete lack of insulin production. People with type 1 diabetes depend on daily insulin injections to live. It is currently impossible to prevent this type of diabetes. Searches are performed primarily to understanding the mechanisms destroying the cells responsible for insulin production.
» Type 2 diabetes :
- Type 2 diabetes occurs much later in life, usually after age 40. The vast majority of people with diabetes have this type of diabetes (90%). In recent years, we note that it appears earlier and diabetes in certain populations at risk. It can appear in childhood.
It is the type most insidious. Symptoms may be minimal and go unnoticed for several years. Unfortunately, when it is diagnosed, the damage is done.
By providing important corrections to our lifestyles, it is possible to delay the onset of the disease and lessen the impact.
Gestational diabetes :
- Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, usually towards the end of the second quarter and in the third. It is also known as gestational diabetes. In 90% of cases, it will disappear after childbirth.
- Gestational diabetes (4-6% of pregnancies) affects both the baby and mother. The child may be larger than normal risk of developing diabetes later. For the mother, presence of diabetes increases the risk of infection, increases the level of fatigue and can cause complications during childbirth.
- Gestational diabetes can be treated and controlled through diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle. If, despite these changes, diabetes is not well controlled, insulin use becomes necessary because the use of oral anti-cons is indicated during pregnancy.
The symptoms :
The symptoms of diabetes do not show all the same way or with the same intensity. Whether Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes, a consultation with a physician is required. The symptoms are :
- Exhaustion, drowsiness.
- Increased volume of urine.
- Thirst.
- Excessive hunger.
- Emaciation.
- Blurred vision.
- Slow healing.
- Genital infection.
- Tingling in the toes or feet.
- Change of character.
It should be noted that sometimes the symptoms are not apparent. Diabetes is a serious disease. It can have a significant impact on the quality of life for people living with this disease.
