Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by elevated blood glucose levels over a prolonged period. This condition arises either due to the pancreas not producing sufficient insulin or the body's cells not responding effectively to insulin. Chronic high blood sugar can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

1. Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This type often manifests in childhood or adolescence but can develop in adults. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy.
   
   
2. Type 2 Diabetes: The most prevalent form, accounting for approximately 90-95% of all diabetes cases. It typically develops in adults but is increasingly seen in younger populations. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not use insulin properly, combined with relative insulin deficiency. Risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, and genetic predisposition.
   
   
3. Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. While it usually resolves after childbirth, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child.
   
   
4. Prediabetes: A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. Individuals with prediabetes are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections, such as gum or skin infections

It's important to note that some individuals, especially those with Type 2 diabetes, may experience mild symptoms or none at all, making regular health check-ups crucial.

• Type 1 Diabetes: Family history, genetic susceptibility, and possible environmental factors.
  
  
• Type 2 Diabetes: Overweight or obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history, age (risk increases after 45), and certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American).
  
  
• Gestational Diabetes: Age over 25, family or personal history of diabetes, excess weight, and non-white race.

Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure glucose levels:

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test: Provides average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

The HbA1c test, also known as the glycated haemoglobin test, measures the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It does this by assessing the percentage of haemoglobin—a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen—that is coated with sugar (glycated). This test is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, as higher HbA1c levels indicate poorer blood sugar control and an increased risk of diabetes-related complications.

Understanding HbA1c Levels:

Normal: Below 5.7%

Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%

Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

Regular monitoring of HbA1c helps in managing diabetes effectively, reducing the risk of complications such as cardiovascular diseases, neuropathy, and retinopathy. It's recommended for individuals with diabetes to undergo this test at least twice a year to ensure optimal blood sugar control.

Factors Affecting HbA1c Results:

Certain conditions can influence HbA1c results, including recent blood loss, haemolytic anaemia, or haemoglobin variants like sickle cell disease. In such cases, alternative tests may be considered for accurate assessment.

Effective management aims to maintain blood glucose levels within target ranges to prevent complications:

• Type 1 Diabetes: Requires regular insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, along with blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating, and physical activity.
  
  
• Type 2 Diabetes: May be managed with lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight loss, and medications (oral or injectable). In some cases, insulin therapy is necessary.
  
  
• Gestational Diabetes: Focuses on blood sugar monitoring, dietary changes, physical activity, and, if needed, insulin therapy to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

While Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieve and sustain a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
  
  
• Engage in Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
  
  
• Adopt a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  
  
• Regular Health Screenings: Especially important for those with risk factors to detect and manage prediabetes or diabetes early.

Understanding diabetes is the first step toward effective management and prevention. With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, individuals with diabetes can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

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