Breaking News: Diabetes a Growing Epidemic

Definition of Diabetes

Diabetes

, also known as Diabetes Mellitus, is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to produce or respond to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose, the body's primary energy source, to enter cells for use. When insulin production is insufficient or the body cannot use insulin effectively, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin.
• Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth.

Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to various complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. Early detection and proper management are crucial for preventing or minimizing these complications.