What do we Need to know about Diabetes? Type 1 Diabetes / Type 2 Diabetes

 

What do we Need to know about Diabetes?

Diabetes is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin, it produces.

Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes:

It is also known as juvenile diabetes (as it mostly affects children of age 14-16 years), this type occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin.

It is predominantly diagnosed in children and adolescents. Although the prevalence is less, it is much more severe than type 2.

Type 2 Diabetes:

It affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin.

Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age, even during childhood. However, this type of diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people.

Gestational Diabetes: This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body sometimes becomes less sensitive to insulin. Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and usually resolves after giving birth.

Impacts of Diabetes: It affects the five major organs namely, Kidney, Heart, Blood vessels, Nervous System, and Eyes (retina).

Factors Responsible: Factors that lead to increase in diabetes are an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, etc.

 

World Diabetes Day:

It is observed on 14th November every year. The 2022 campaign will focus on access to diabetes education. access to diabetes education.