What is Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperglycemia, or High Blood Glucose Level and it’s Types.
Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a chronic, possibly fatal disorder in which the body loses its ability to generate insulin or produces or uses insulin inefficiently, resulting in dangerously high blood glucose levels. High glucose or sugar levels in the blood also known as hyperglycemia.
Blood glucose levels that are higher than usual over time can harm your eyes, kidneys, and nerves, as well as cause heart attack and stroke.
Types of Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes which are Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
When the cells in the pancreas stop making insulin, type 1 diabetes occurs. Glucose cannot reach the cells of the muscles for energy without insulin. Instead, glucose levels in the blood rise, making a person exceedingly ill. If insulin is not replaced, type 1 diabetes can be fatal.
Type 1 diabetes is most common in children and persons under the age of 30, but it can strike anyone at any age. This condition is not brought on by a change in one’s lifestyle. Its precise cause is unknown.
Insulin is a hormone that aids in the transport of sugar (glucose) into the body’s tissues. It is used as a source of energy by your cells. The process is thrown off when beta cells are damaged due to type 1 diabetes. Because insulin isn’t present, glucose isn’t able to enter your cells. Instead, glucose lingers in the blood, generating high blood glucose levels, which can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and damage to various bodily organs, including the eyes, kidneys, and heart, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin. Insulin’s primary function is to transport glucose from our bloodstream into our cells, where it is converted into energy. When you don’t have enough insulin, glucose accumulates in your bloodstream rather than giving energy to your body.
High blood sugar levels are unpleasant, and many people want to know what they can do to help lower their blood sugar levels.
Anyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin therapy for the rest of their lives. For the remainder of their lives, people with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin. To delay or prevent issues, keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible.
Type 2 Diabetes
When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the insulin that is produced does not perform as well as it should, type 2 diabetes develops. As a result, glucose levels in the blood begin to rise above normal. Because type 2 diabetes has no symptoms, half of those who have it are unaware they have it.
People who develop type 2 diabetes are more than likely to have a family member with the disease. Because being overweight and not getting enough physical activity increases the chance of having type 2 diabetes, it is considered a lifestyle disease.
Many persons with type 2 diabetes can control their condition with a nutritious diet and increased physical exercise when they are initially diagnosed.
Insulin therapy is required for certain persons with type 2 diabetes. Insulin therapy was once considered a last resort, but it is now more likely to be administered if blood sugar objectives aren’t attained with lifestyle changes and other medications.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of elevated blood sugar (glucose) that develops during pregnancy and normally disappears once the baby is born. It can occur at any time throughout pregnancy, although it is more frequent in the second and third trimesters. It occurs when your body is unable to manufacture enough insulin to fulfill your increased requirements during pregnancy.
During pregnancy and after birth, gestational diabetes can cause issues for you and your kid. However, if the illness is diagnosed early and adequately handled, the dangers can be decreased.
Controlling your blood sugar levels might minimize your chances of having complications with your pregnancy. Changing your diet and exercising regimen can help you lower your blood sugar levels. If these modifications do not sufficiently lower your blood sugar levels, you will need to take medication. This could be in the form of pills or insulin injections.
If there are concerns about your or your baby’s health, or if your blood sugar levels are not adequately controlled, an earlier birth may be recommended.
