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What is Diabetes?

DIABETES
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Carlos José Romero Carrete
General medicine consultations and internal medicine
28 Nov 2023
2 Min
The expert's voice

Therapeutic education provided by doctors is essential for patients with diabetes, enabling them to play an active role in their treatment. It is crucial to have basic knowledge about the disease, identify the body’s warning signs, and know how to respond to any circumstance.

At CreuBlanca, we have a highly specialized, top-tier medical team dedicated to the diagnosis and personalized treatment of various types of diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes (or diabetes mellitus) is a chronic metabolic disease that occurs when the body stops converting glucose into energy.

The human body breaks down food into glucose (or sugar) for absorption by cells to create energy for vital processes. This process is facilitated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, which allows glucose to enter cells, thereby regulating blood sugar concentration.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or when the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces. As a result, glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia, as it is unable to reach the cells.

What types of diabetes are there? What are their causes?

There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).

  • Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body loses the ability to produce insulin, requiring daily administration. It is typically diagnosed in children, adolescents, and young adults, and its causes and prevention are currently unknown.

 

  • Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body’s inefficient use of insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes and is becoming increasingly prevalent. Causes are primarily linked to physical inactivity, poor diet, and an overall unhealthy lifestyle. Hereditary factors can also play a role.

 

  • Gestational diabetes develops in some women during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. It is diagnosed when there is elevated blood glucose but not enough to qualify as diabetes.

 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Depending on the type of diabetes and the individual, symptoms may occur suddenly (Type 1) or develop gradually, going unnoticed for years (Type 2). Common symptoms of diabetes include fatigue, involuntary weight loss, increased hunger and thirst, more frequent urination than usual, and blurred vision. Gestational diabetes often presents without noticeable symptoms.

Diabetes is generally a silent condition, underscoring the importance of proper metabolic control to prevent long-term complications. Common complications may include cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, eye problems, nerve problems, foot problems, skin problems, digestive issues, and infections.

 

For a favorable prognosis, daily disease monitoring and adopting a healthy lifestyle are essential. Therefore, learning to live with diabetes, maintaining control, and enjoying a good quality of life are crucial.

To prevent and diagnose hormonal, metabolic, and nutrition-related diseases early, CreuBlanca conducts comprehensive examinations of your endocrine system using cutting-edge technologies. We provide personalized follow-up to improve the prognosis of your diabetes.”

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Diabetes
Diabetes Prevention
Diabetes Symptoms
Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes Types