Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to impaired glucose metabolism. This condition arises when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar by facilitating glucose uptake into cells for energy.

Types of Diabetes

1. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Cause: An autoimmune reaction leads to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
Insulin Deficiency: With little or no insulin production, cells cannot effectively absorb glucose, resulting in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Management: Patients require lifelong insulin therapy to maintain blood glucose levels.

2. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

Cause: The body’s cells develop resistance to insulin’s action, even when insulin production is initially normal or elevated.
Impaired Glucose Uptake: Muscle, fat, and liver cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic Dysfunction: Over time, the pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to overcome resistance, resulting in both insulin resistance and decreased insulin secretion.
Management: Lifestyle changes, oral medications, and, in some cases, insulin therapy are used to control blood sugar.

3. Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessels, which can result in glomerular damage.
Understanding and managing glomerular disease often requires early diagnosis and treatment to prevent further kidney damage. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial.

References

American Diabetes Association (ADA). (2023). Diabetes Overview. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Diabetes Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2023). Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/