Always see a diabetes specialist if you experience any of the symptoms of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes usually develops quickly, within a matter of days or weeks. Lots of people with type 2 diabetes live with the condition for many years before it is diagnosed, because the symptoms are general or not present at all.
Blood sugar is controlled by a hormone called insulin. Insulin is produced by a gland behind the stomach called the pancreas. When we eat, glucose (sugar) from our food enters our bloodstream and insulin is released to remove the sugar from the blood and take it to our cells for energy.
In people with diabetes, there is too much sugar in the blood because insulin does not break down the glucose from our blood and convert it to energy. There is either not enough insulin produced, or the insulin is not working properly. The exact cause of diabetes is not understood.
Type 1 diabetes develops when the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Doctors believe this is caused by genetics and certain environmental factors such as viruses. Lifestyle factors do not cause type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by several factors, including genetics and lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. Type 2 diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance which is where the liver, muscle and fat cells don’t use insulin properly. This leads to the body needing more insulin – at first the pancreas produces more, but eventually, it cannot make enough, and blood sugar levels increase.
Gestational diabetes is believed to be caused by hormonal changes which take place during pregnancy. Genetics and lifestyle factors may also play a role.
If you experience any diabetes symptoms, always see a diabetes specialist as early management of the condition is very important. Talk to our diabetes doctors in Dubai today.
