Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. When untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, but with the right knowledge and care, diabetes can be managed effectively. This post gives you a simple introduction to diabetes—what it is, types, causes, and when it usually starts.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a condition where the body cannot properly process blood glucose (sugar). This happens either due to lack of insulin or when the body can’t use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter the body’s cells to be used for energy.
Types of Diabetes
🔹 Type 1 Diabetes
- An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells.
- Usually starts in childhood or teenage years.
- Requires daily insulin injections.
🔹 Type 2 Diabetes
- The most common type.
- Often related to poor lifestyle and diet.
- The body produces insulin but doesn’t use it well.
🔹 Gestational Diabetes
- Occurs during pregnancy.
- Usually disappears after childbirth but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later.
🔹 Prediabetes
- Blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
- A warning sign to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
When Does Diabetes Start?
- Type 1 usually appears before age 30, often in children.
- Type 2 is common after age 40 but increasingly found in younger people due to poor lifestyle.
- Gestational diabetes is diagnosed during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
- Prediabetes can start silently and is often missed in early stages.
5. Summary
Diabetes is a lifelong condition, but with the right awareness and daily care, it can be managed. Knowing the Types of Diabetes and when it typically starts helps in early detection and better control. In our upcoming posts, we’ll explore diet plans, exercise routines, natural remedies, and tips for living a healthy life with diabetes.