Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
Type 1 -
Happens when the pancreas does not produce insulin. This is because the cells that make insulin are destroyed by the body's immune system.
Without insulin, cells are unable to turn glucose into energy. Without insulin, the body burns its own fat and in doing so, releases chemicals into the blood that will become life-threatening, if not treated.
Approximately 10% of all diabetics are diagnosed as Type 1. Although anyone can contract this condition, it is more common in the under 30's age group.
Cause:
Similar to Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 is genetic, however there is no 'lifestyle' cause, as with Type 2, although it is very important to be healthy in order to manage this condition.
Symptoms:
- Being excessively thirsty
- Passing more urine
- Feeling tired and lethargic
- Always feeling hungry
- Having cuts that heal slowly
- Itching, skin infections
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Feeling dizzy
- Leg cramps
Any or all of the symptoms above can occur suddenly - especially at a younger age, so if they do, it is important to visit the doctor immediately to determine whether they are diabetes related or not.
Type 2 -
Is a condition where over a long period of time, the body begins to resist the effects of insulin. Because of this resistance, the pancreas begins to produce more insulin to stabilise the blood glucose levels. As this over production continues over time, the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas wear out, so by the time a person is diagnosed, around 50% or more cells have been lost. This is why Type 2 diabetes is known as a progressive condition, because of the ongoing loss of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Cause:
Research has shown that this type of diabetes is mainly hereditary, but it can also be attributed to poor diet, overweight, high blood pressure and minimal physical exercise.
Symptoms:
Because Type 2 diabetes occurs over a long period of time, it can often be mistaken as some other illness, or as a sign of 'getting older', however, the symptoms are similar to that of Type 1.
For more comprehensive information on Type 1 and 2 Diabetes - Click Here »
Prediabetes
Named so because, although there is a high percentage of glucose in the blood, it is not at the level of Type 2.
There are two types of Prediabetes, and it is possible to develop both -
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance - where blood glucose levels are higher
than normal, but not high enough to be classed as diabetes
- Impaired Fasting Glucose - where blood glucose levels are escalating in a fasting state, but not high enough to be classed as diabetes
Cause:
Although the cause of prediabetes is unknown, family history and genetics, excess abdominal fat and inactivity aid toward its development. People who have prediabetes no longer have the capability to process glucose (sugar) and as a result, the sugar builds up in the bloodstream. Most of the glucose comes from food we consume - especially carbohydrates and sweet food.
As our food digests, glucose (sugar) enters our bloodstream, and insulin helps this sugar to enter our body's cells to make energy. Insulin is a hormone that comes from the pancreas, which is a small gland behind the stomach. Prediabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin to break down the glucose, and/or our body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin.
Symptoms:
There are often no symptoms associated with prediabetes, however, people who have prediabetes, are more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and also heart and circulatory disease.
Risks:
- Being overweight
- Being physically inactive
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Family history of Type 2 diabetes or heart disease
Prediabetes test:
An FPG (Fasting Plalsma Glucose) test shows the amount of sugar in the blood after an overnight fast (no food for at least 8 hours).
A fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl means a person has prediabetes. A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher means a person has diabetes.
For more comprehensive information on Prediabetes - Click Here »
Gestational Diabetes
Is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, but usually goes away once the baby is born. It is developed when there is a high percentage of glucose in the blood.
All females are tested for Gestational diabetes in their 24th week by their GP because between 5 to 10% of females develop this condition within their 24th to 28th week of pregnancy.
Risks:
Although there is no reason why women develop Gestational diabetes, the risks are higher if you -
- are over 25 years old
- have a family history of Type 2 or Gestational diabetes
- are overweight
- are from an indigenous background
- have had Gestational diabetes before
- have previously given birth to a large baby
- have had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (a hormonal related condition most common in females during their reproductive years)
Cause:
When females are pregnant, the placenta produces hormones to help the baby grow and develop. These hormones, unfortunately, block the insulin from working. This term is called 'Insulin Resistance'. Because of this resistance, the need for insulin become two to three times higher than normal.
When the baby is born the high glucose levels return to normal, however, a female has a much higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes at a later age if they have developed Gestational diabetes.
Symptoms:
If symptoms do occur, they could include:
- unusual thirst
- excessive urination
- tiredness
- thrush (yeast infections)
Glucose passes over the placenta so that the baby has energy to grow. If mum's blood sugar levels are high, extra glucose will pass over the placenta to the baby who, in turn, makes more insulin. This causes baby to become larger than normal, which leads to complications during and after birth.
Babies will not be born with diabetes if mum had gestational diabetes, however, there is a risk of type 2 diabetes developing later in life.
For more comprehensive information on Gestational Diabetes - Click Here »