What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It is a warning sign that someone is at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
How Does Prediabetes Develop?
Prediabetes develops when the body starts having trouble using insulin properly (Insulin resistance). This causes sugar to build in the blood. Risk factors include being overweight, lack of physical activity, family history and unhealthy eating habits.
Prediabetes symptoms
Prediabetes often has no symptoms; some people may have:
- Darkened skin around neck, armpits or groin
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (called beta cells). Because the pancreas can no longer make enough insulin, sugar stays in the blood instead of mobing into the cells for energy. Type 1 diabetes usually begins in children, teens, or young adults, but it can happen at any age. People with Type 1 diabetes need daily insulin treatment for life.
How Does Type 1 Diabetes Develop?
Type 1 diabetes develops because of an autoimmune reaction, meaning the immune system attacks the body by mistake. Scientists believe this happens because of a combination of genetics and environmental triggers, such as viruses. Over time, the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed. Once most of these cells are damaged, the body can no longer make enouguh insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise dangerously. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 is not caused by diet, weight, or lifestyle.
How Does Type 1 Diabetes Develop?
Type 1 diabetes develops because of an autoimmune reaction, meaning the immune system attacks the body by mistake. Scientists believe this happens because of a combination of genetics and environmental triggers, such as viruses. Over time, the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed. Once most of these cells are damaged, the body can no longer make enouguh insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise dangerously. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 is not caused by diet, weight, or lifestyle.
Type 1 Diabetes symptoms
Symptoms usually appear quickly and may include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Mood changes
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition in which your body doesn’t effectively use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. This results in high levels of sugar (glucose) in your bloodstream.
How Does Type 2 Diabetes Develop?
Type 2 diabetes typically develops as a result of a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
In most cases, Type 2 diabetes begins with a phenomenon called insulin resistance. This means that your body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) enter your cells to provide them with energy. As a result, your body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check.
As insulin resistance continues, your pancreas works harder to produce more insulin to compensate. Initially, this may keep your blood sugar levels normal. However, over time, your pancreas may not be able to keep up with the increased demand, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Eventually, blood sugar levels rise to a point where a healthcare provider diagnoses you with Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may include, but are not limited to:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow wound healing
- Frequent infections
- Tingling or numbness
- Skin darkening