Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the body’s inability to regulate blood glucose levels, which can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. It often develops silently, so understanding what diabetes is, how it originates and what symptoms it can cause is essential to detect it early.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes (or diabetes mellitus) is a chronic metabolic disease that occurs when the body stops converting glucose into energy.
The body breaks down food into glucose (or sugar), which is absorbed by the cells to generate the energy needed for life processes. This process is carried out by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter the cells, thus regulating blood sugar levels.
Diabetes develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not use it properly, resulting in an accumulation of glucose in the blood because it cannot reach the cells (hyperglycemia).
What types of diabetes are there and what are their causes?
There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes of pregnancy).
- In Type 1 diabetes, the body loses the ability to produce insulin, so insulin must be administered daily. It is usually diagnosed in children, adolescents and young adults, and its causes and how to prevent it are currently unknown.
- Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inefficient use of insulin by the body. It is the most common and increasingly prevalent type of diabetes. Its causes are mainly associated with physical inactivity, an inadequate diet, and in general, an unhealthy lifestyle, although it can also be influenced by hereditary factors.
- Gestational diabetes arises in some women during pregnancy and usually disappears after the baby is born. It is diagnosed when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Depending on the type of diabetes and the person affected, symptoms may occur suddenly (Type 1) or develop gradually and go unnoticed for years (Type 2). The most common symptoms include tiredness, unintentional weight loss, increased hunger and thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision. In the case of gestational diabetes, there are usually no symptoms.
In general, diabetes is a silent pathology, so it is important to maintain adequate metabolic control to avoid long-term complications, such as cardiovascular, renal, ocular, dermatological or digestive conditions, among others.
How is diabetes treated?
The treatment of diabetes seeks to maintain blood glucose at normal levels, and aims to prevent or delay possible future complications of the disease. It is based on three basic points:
- Regular physical activity: it lowers the blood glucose level and makes the body more sensitive to insulin.
- Healthy eating: It is important to maintain a healthy eating plan that helps control the blood glucose level.
- Medication: The type of medication and its administration will depend on the type of diabetes the patient has and his or her lifestyle.
For a good prognosis of the disease, daily follow-up and a healthy lifestyle are essential. Therefore, it is necessary to learn to live with diabetes in order to keep it under control and enjoy a good quality of life
At Paracelso Sagasta, prevention and early detection are our priority. We offer a wide range of medical check-ups that, thanks to the most advanced technology, allow us to diagnose numerous pathologies, including diabetes, at an early stage. Our team of specialists in Internal and General Medicine will guide you from start to finish: they will assess which diagnostic tests best suit your needs, guide you throughout the process and coordinate the collaboration with professionals from different medical specialties. Make an appointment now.
