Diabetes Diagnosis & Treatment

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease that causes high levels of sugar in the blood. This happens when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

Insulin is a hormone that moves sugar from the blood and into the cells so that it can be stored or used for energy. The long-term effects of high blood sugar caused by diabetes include kidney damage, deterioration of eyesight, poor circulation, and more.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease. This occurs when your immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. As a result, the pancreas is unable to produce the amount of insulin needed by your body to produce energy.

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common type of diabetes, type 2 diabetes in a chronic condition that prevents your body from effectively using the insulin produced by the pancreas. This is often referred to as insulin resistance. It means that, although your pancreas is producing insulin, the cells responsible for utilizing the insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels are not working as they should.

Gestational Diabetes

This occurs in some pregnant women and is a result of the placenta producing insulin-blocking hormones. This is a health concern for both the pregnant woman and her fetus. However, gestational diabetes can resolve after birth.

Parkhealth Medical – Family Health Doctors in Cape Town

Although diabetes is considered a chronic disease, with the right treatment, it is still possible to live a full, healthy life. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to avoid serious complications as a result of diabetes.

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