Prediabetes.
Who is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can vary from person to person, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, some common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
Frequent urination: You may need to urinate more often than usual, including at night.
Increased thirst: You may feel more thirsty than usual, even after drinking fluids.
Fatigue: You may feel tired or sluggish, even if you have had enough sleep.
Blurred vision: You may experience blurred vision or have trouble focusing.
Slow healing: Cuts or sores may take longer to heal than usual.
Numbness or tingling: You may experience numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
Increased hunger: You may feel hungry more often than usual.
Causes of diabetes.
There are different causes of diabetes depending on the type of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes: The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes: The main cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, in which the body's cells become resistant to the insulin produced by the pancreas. This can be due to genetic factors, lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity, or a combination of both.
Gestational diabetes: During pregnancy, some women may develop high blood sugar levels, which can lead to gestational diabetes. This may be due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, as well as lifestyle factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
Other types of diabetes: There are other less common types of diabetes, including monogenic diabetes, which is caused by a genetic mutation, and drug-induced diabetes, which can be caused by certain medications.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
Diabetes is typically diagnosed through a combination of blood tests and other diagnostic tests.
Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test: This blood test measures your blood sugar level after fasting for at least 8 hours. A FPG level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher on two separate occasions is considered diagnostic of diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test: This blood test measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher is considered diagnostic of diabetes.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): This test involves drinking a sugary beverage and then having your blood sugar level measured after fasting for at least 8 hours and again two hours after drinking the beverage. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher after two hours is considered diagnostic of diabetes.
There are several different types of diabetes, including:
Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age.
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90-95% of all cases. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to the insulin produced by the pancreas, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It typically goes away after delivery, but women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults): LADA is a form of diabetes that is similar to type 1 diabetes, but it develops in adults. It is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes, but it progresses more rapidly and requires insulin therapy sooner than type 2 diabetes.
MODY (maturity-onset diabetes of the young): MODY is a genetic form of diabetes that is caused by a mutation in a single gene. It typically develops in adolescence or early adulthood and is often misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Secondary diabetes: Secondary diabetes is a type of diabetes that is caused by another underlying condition, such as pancreatitis or Cushing's syndrome.
Risk factors.
There are several risk factors that can increase a person's likelihood of developing diabetes, including:
Age: The risk of developing diabetes increases as a person gets older.
Family history: Having a family history of diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition.
Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Race and ethnicity: Certain racial and ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Native Americans, are at higher risk of developing diabetes.
Gestational diabetes: Women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Complications.
Diabetes can lead to several complications if left untreated or poorly managed. These complications can affect various organs and systems in the body, including:
Cardiovascular disease: Diabetes increases the risk of developing heart disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
Nerve damage (neuropathy): High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in the body, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet.
