Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the level of glucose, or blood sugar, in your bloodstream is elevated. Glucose serves as the primary fuel for your body’s functions and can be produced internally or obtained from the food you consume.
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels. It helps facilitate the entry of glucose into your cells, where it can be utilized for energy. In diabetes, either the production of insulin is insufficient or the body’s cells become resistant to its effects, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
The consequences of diabetes can be severe, posing risks to various organs and systems in the body.
- Type 2 diabetes: Body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cells resist its effects; common in adults but can affect children.
- Prediabetes: Blood glucose levels higher than normal but not yet diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes: Autoimmune disease where immune system attacks insulin-producing cells; often diagnosed in children and young adults.
- Gestational diabetes: Develops during pregnancy; typically resolves after childbirth but increases risk of Type 2 diabetes later.
Insulin resistance: Mainly seen in Type 2 diabetes, where cells in muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond properly to insulin. Factors like obesity, lack of exercise, diet, hormones, genetics, and medications contribute.
Autoimmune disease: Type 1 diabetes and LADA occur when the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Hormonal imbalances: During pregnancy, hormones from the placenta can lead to insulin resistance, potentially causing gestational diabetes. Conditions like acromegaly and Cushing syndrome can also trigger Type 2 diabetes.
Pancreatic damage: Damage to the pancreas from conditions, surgery, or injury can affect insulin production, leading to Type 3c diabetes.
Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations can result in MODY and neonatal diabetes.
Healthcare providers diagnose diabetes by conducting blood tests to measure glucose levels. Three common tests include:
Fasting blood glucose test: Requires fasting for at least eight hours before the test to establish a baseline blood sugar level unaffected by food intake.
Random blood glucose test: Can be taken at any time, regardless of fasting status.
A1c (HbA1C) test: Measures average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months.
For gestational diabetes screening and diagnosis, an oral glucose tolerance test is typically ordered.
Results from these tests help determine if a person has diabetes, prediabetes, or no diabetes. Values may vary slightly, and diagnosis often relies on multiple tests for accuracy.