Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic endocrine disease that disrupts the body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar levels. After a meal, the pancreas normally secretes insulin, a hormone that helps move the sugar glucose from the bloodstream into your cells to be used for energy. This intracellular shift of glucose lowers sugar levels in the blood. In diabetes however, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively to move glucose into cells, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can start damaging the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and other organs, which is why early detection and management of diabetes is critical.

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There are three main types of diabetes.

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Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where your immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas, resulting in little to no insulin being secreted. Most cases of type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in childhood, and these individuals require daily insulin injections to stay alive.

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Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common type of diabetes, affecting over 500 million people worldwide! In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas continues to produce insulin; however, the body becomes resistant to its effects, making it harder for glucose to move from the blood into the cells. Mild to moderate cases can often be managed effectively through healthy eating, regular physical activity, and various diabetes medications, while more advanced cases may require insulin injections.

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Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. However, women who experience gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life and must be monitored more closely.