Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, is characterized by abnormal blood sugar levels. This condition arises when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use it effectively.
Insulin, a hormone, plays a crucial role in converting glucose from food into energy. When insulin production or function is impaired, blood sugar levels rise, potentially damaging various organs.
Different types of diabetes
There are three primary types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Depending on the type, your body might not produce enough insulin, or not produce insulin at all, or might not use the insulin it does make effectively.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes
The most common form is type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin. It is often linked to obesity, but it can affect people of all weights.
Other types of diabetes
- Gestational diabetes: This type occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born.
- Prediabetes: This condition involves higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that aren't high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with prediabetes are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How to Know if You Have Diabetes: Symptoms and Testing
The only way to confirm if you have diabetes is through a blood test. This test measures your blood sugar levels to diagnose the condition. You can get a blood test from your doctor or a laboratory.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor and get tested for diabetes:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Intense hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
Even if you don't have other risk factors for diabetes, getting tested is crucial if you have these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.
Why Type 2 Diabetes is So Common in India
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in India and affects millions of people across the country. Here’s why it’s so widespread: Lifestyle Changes: Rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and shifting to Western diets have increased obesity and related conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
- Genetics: Genetic factors also contribute to the higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
- Lack of Awareness: In some areas, there is limited awareness about diabetes and its risk factors, which can lead to late diagnosis and management.
These factors together make type 2 diabetes a major health issue in India.
