Diabetes: the various types

Millions of people world over are diabetic. Diabetics is a life threatening disease and if not controlled it can lead to many complications like stroke, heart ailments, kidney problems, arterial disorders, nerve damage and vision problems.

Diabetics are generally classified into two major types -- type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Then there is another one -- Gestational Diabetes – which is not that common.

The most severe form of diabetes is the type 1, a condition in which the pancreas produces no insulin. This is caused because of the damage to the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. It is also called as juvenile diabetes.

Type 2 is the most commonly found diabetes. It is only a metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce insulin in adequate quantities. This type of diabetes seldom develops before the age of 40 years.

Then there is the Gestational Diabetes, which is almost similar to Type 2 diabetes. It occurs in pregnant women whose blood sugar level rises during that period. Well, usually the Gestational diabetes, which occurs in about 2 to 6 per cent of pregnant women, disappears after pregnancy. Well, if the gestational diabetes is nor treated it can be dangerous both for the foetus and the mother.

Diabetes: a life threatening disease

Millions of people the world over are affected with Diabetes, a life-threatening disease. Dangerous if not controlled, Diabetes can bring in many complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney function, arterial disease, nerve damage and vision problems.

Diabetes is caused because of disordered metabolism. Hereditary and environmental causes are attributed to diabetes, in which the metabolism and sugar level in the body is disrupted from performing its normal functions.

People with diabetes have high glucose blood levels, as insulin, which maintains the blood glucose levels, does not function normally. It is also said that when the body fails to produce insulin, the result is diabetes.

Normally there are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2. Another type of diabetes -- Gestational diabetes – is seen during pregnancy.

The most common type of diabetes is the Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body makes insulin but not enough. It is also called Insulin resistance as the cells show reluctance to let in insulin. Exercising properly and maintaining healthy eating habits can prevent this type of diseases.

The Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which insulin is simply not available. Here
the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are infected. Type 1 diabetes, also called immune-mediated diabetes, is more serious and increases the risk for several life-threatening illnesses including heart disease, stroke, renal failure, hypertension, blindness, and nerve damage.

Gestational diabetes is what is caused when blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes run the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes at any time after the infant is born.

Diabetes is life threatening as it can cause the breakdown of a number of vital organs. Whether diabetes one has, be it type 1, type 2 or gestational, only maintaining a healthy life style can save from further complications.