Diabetes Overview

Definition

• Diabetes: group of conditions characterized by high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels.
• High blood sugar can lead to serious health complications.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes

  • Chronic condition.
  • Autoimmune destruction of pancreas' beta cells.
  • Reduced insulin production.
  • Early onset (typically before age 20).
  • Symptoms appear suddenly.
  • Managed with insulin injections ("insulin dependent").
  • Genetic factors are influential.

• Type 2 Diabetes

  • Chronic condition.
  • Cells are "insulin resistant."
  • Pancreas produces enough insulin, but cells do not respond properly.
  • Adult onset (typically after age 30).
  • Symptoms develop gradually.
  • Associated with obesity, inactive lifestyle, unhealthy diets.
  • Management includes weight loss and low-carb diet.
  • Genetic and lifestyle factors are influential.
  • Accounts for 80-90% of all diabetes cases.

• Gestational Diabetes

  • Transient form of diabetes during pregnancy.
  • Usually resolves after childbirth.

• Pre-Diabetes

  • Blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
  • May progress to diabetes.

Pathophysiology

• Normal Digestion

  • Carbohydrates break down into glucose.
  • Glucose is transported in the bloodstream to body organs.
  • Insulin (produced by pancreatic beta cells) is key for glucose intake by cells.

• Type 1 Diabetes Pathophysiology

  • Immune system attacks beta cells mistakenly.
  • Less insulin production and binding to receptors.
  • More glucose remains in blood.

• Type 2 Diabetes Pathophysiology

  • Insulin is produced but cells are unresponsive.
  • Glucose remains in the bloodstream.

Risk Factors

• Type 1 Diabetes

  • Genetic predisposition.

• Type 2 Diabetes

  • Genetic predisposition.
  • Lifestyle factors (obesity, inactivity, diet).