Diabetes is a lifelong disease that develops when the body’s gland called the pancreas does not produce enough insulin hormone or when the insulin hormone it produces cannot be used effectively. As a result, the person cannot use glucose, the sugar that passes into the blood from the food they consume, and blood sugar rises (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar can lead to effects such as blurred vision, as well as problems such as heart disease and blindness over time.
What are the types of diabetes?
There are two main types, Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Both occur when there are problems with the production or use of the hormone insulin. Insulin is a hormone that makes it possible for cells to use glucose, or blood sugar, for energy.
A person without diabetes, a rise in blood sugar, usually after a meal, causes the pancreas to release insulin into the blood so that glucose can move into the body’s cells and be used as fuel. When sugar enters the cells and is no longer in the blood, the person has normal glucose levels.
But, people with diabetes, this process is not as it should be. People with diabetes, either the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or the body’s cells become resistant to insulin (or both). As a result, glucose that cannot enter the cells remains in the blood, circulates throughout the body and can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
One of the main symptoms of diabetes is excessive thirst. This occurs because the kidneys need to excrete excess glucose in the urine. As a result, the kidneys excrete large amounts of water along with the glucose. The massive loss of fluid dehydrates the body, which is why you feel extremely thirsty.
Deprived of glucose, cells turn to another fuel source called ketones, produced by the liver. Ketones are acidic and their accumulation in the bloodstream can lead to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis. In addition, diabetes increases the risk of heart and kidney disease.
What is the Difference Between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes:
- The immune system targets and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
- It is usually the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- There is little or no insulin production, so external insulin injections are necessary.
- It usually starts in childhood or young adulthood but can occur at any age.
Type 2 Diabetes:
- Body cells become resistant to insulin, meaning they cannot use insulin effectively.
- It usually develops due to lifestyle factors. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and genetic predisposition are risk factors.
- İnsulin production is initially present but may decrease over time and insulin resistance increases.
- It usually starts in middle age or later but can also occur at a young age.
‘’What can I eat?’’ is a question that people with diabetes often ask.
- Reduce total carbohydrate intake. When carbohydrates are consumed, they should come from nutrient-rich sources such as vegetables (especially non-starchy ones), whole grains, fruits, legumes and dairy products, rather than processed foods with added fat, sugar and sodium.
- Limit your intake of saturated fats (mostly found in animal products). Even fats that may have health benefits, such as olive oil, should be consumed in moderation.
- Replace sugar-sweetened drinks (including those sweetened with high fructose corn syrup or sucrose) with water.
- Keep sodium intake below 2.300 milligrams per day, and even lower if you have high blood pressure.
Sources:
- Harvard Health Publishing, 2023. Diabetes.
Accessed: 11.10.2023, https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/diabetes
- Harvard Health Publishing, 2021. Guidelines for healthy eating with diabetes.
Accessed: 11.10.2023, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/guidelines-for-healthy-eating-with-diabetes
