What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that prevents the body from properly using energy from food. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin, or when the pancreas produces insulin, but it is resisted by the body. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to move glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells, where it is converted into energy. Glucose is the form of sugar contained in the bloodstream. It is produced by the digestion of food and is consumed by the body's cells; blood glucose is the fuel of the body. Insulin, a hormone normally produced by the pancreas, is required to enable the body's cells to use the blood sugar as a source for growth and energy.

The 3 most common forms of diabetes are:

• In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer produces insulin. In order to survive, a person must administer insulin via injections or an insulin pump. Type 1 diabetes develops most frequently in children and young adults, and accounts for approximately 10 % of all diabetes cases worldwide. The average life expectancy for a person with Type 1 diabetes is 15 years less than that of the general population.
• Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. Type 2 is the most common form of the disease, accounting for 90% to 95% of cases. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled by diet and exercise, oral medications and, in many cases, insulin. Evidence from several clinical studies indicate that obesity and weight gain are associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adults over 40 years of age. People at risk of Type 2 diabetes should follow the usual recommendations for preventing the disease.
• Gestational diabetes develops only during pregnancy. As for Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. But unlike other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes can be temporary and usually disappears after delivery. However, women who experience gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes at a later stage and should follow the usual recommendations for preventing the disease.
  

In order to manage their disease, people with diabetes need to take insulin. The amount of insulin taken has to be balanced with food intake and daily activities Blood glucose levels need to be regularly checked. Often, people with diabetes either have too much or too little glucose in their blood. It is important to keep good glucose control as poor glucose control can lead to acute complications from low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), which can lead to Ketoacidosis. If this develops, hospital treatment would be required. Over a long period of time, poor diabetes control can lead to blindness, kidney failure and amputation. In addition, it is a major factor in both cardiovascular disease and impotence.

At present there is no cure for diabetes. The treatment of diabetes consists of taking insulin and keeping good glycaemic control.