What is Diabetes?
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The Better You’ll Manage
Diabetes is a disorder of the metabolism where the body has trouble using glucose (sugar) for energy. When we eat, our body breaks down foods known as carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, breads, pastas, dairy, and sweets) into glucose, which is sent to our cells through the bloodstream.
When our body’s systems detect glucose in the blood (particularly during meal or snack times), an organ called the pancreas releases an appropriate amount of a hormone called insulin. Insulin makes it possible for our cells to absorb glucose and provide the energy our body and brain need to function. If your body doesn’t have enough insulin, or isn’t able to use it properly, too much glucose can build up in your bloodstream and create serious health problems.
type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (previously called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) is a disorder of the body’s immune system that results from the pancreas not producing any insulin. Over 16 million people worldwide are affected by Type 1 diabetes1. It is currently incurable, but it is treatable with a rigid therapy of artificial insulin. Learn more about the early symptoms of Type 1 diabetes and check out the real stories of people living with Type 1 diabetes.
type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (previously called adult onset diabetes mellitus) results when the body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin, a condition called “insulin resistance”. This more common (over 75% of cases globally)2 variety of diabetes often runs in families or racial groups, but can also be caused by poor diet and an inactive lifestyle. If caught in its early stages, this type of diabetes is often treatable with modifications in diet and an exercise program. If left untreated, a person with Type 2 diabetes could eventually develop extreme insulin resistance and require the addition of artificial insulin. Insulin resistance is a condition where your body requires unusually high amounts of insulin to maintain normal glucose levels, and your pancreas just can't keep up. Learn more about Type 2 diabetes and check out Ashok's real story about living with Type 2 diabetes.
gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes affects between 5% and 10% of all pregnant women in the late stages of pregnancy3. Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before, but who have high blood glucose levels, are said to have gestational diabetes. The condition usually goes away after pregnancy. If left untreated, gestational diabetes can harm the baby. Gestational diabetes can reoccur in following pregnancies and increase the mother’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Learn more about the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes. Already have diabetes and hoping to fall pregnant or are already pregnant? Learn more about planning pregnancy.
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SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES
Understand the symptoms of diabetes for early detection and preventing complications.
More Details- The Garvan Institute “Type 1” (assessed February 2017)
- The Garvan Institute “Type 2” (assessed February 2017)
- Diabetes Australia “Gestational Diabetes” (assessed February 2017)
