1. Introduction
Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic health condition that affects how the body processes blood glucose (sugar). Glucose is the primary source of energy for our cells, and insulin—a hormone produced by the pancreas—helps regulate its levels in the bloodstream. When the body fails to produce or use insulin effectively, glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to diabetes.
Globally, diabetes is a major public health concern, affecting millions of people. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 537 million adults were living with diabetes in 2021, and this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
2. What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by prolonged high blood sugar levels. It occurs due to either insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to effectively use insulin. If left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision problems.
There are several types of diabetes, each with distinct causes and treatment approaches:
-
Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
-
Type 2 Diabetes: A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin.
-
Gestational Diabetes: A temporary condition occurring during pregnancy that increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
-
Prediabetes: A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
3. Global Impact of Diabetes
Diabetes is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize the importance of diabetes awareness and prevention.
-
Health Impact: Increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, blindness, and limb amputation.
-
Economic Impact: Places a financial burden on individuals and healthcare systems due to the cost of treatment, hospitalizations, and medication.
-
Social Impact: Affects the quality of life, employment opportunities, and psychological well-being of individuals.
4. Causes and Risk Factors
While genetics can play a role in the development of diabetes, lifestyle and environmental factors significantly influence its onset.
Key Causes of Diabetes:
-
Autoimmune reaction (Type 1 diabetes)
-
Insulin resistance (Type 2 diabetes)
-
Hormonal changes during pregnancy (Gestational diabetes)
Common Risk Factors:
-
Family history of diabetes
-
Obesity or being overweight
-
Sedentary lifestyle
-
Unhealthy diet high in refined sugars and processed foods
-
High blood pressure and cholesterol levels
-
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
-
Aging (higher risk after 45 years)
5. Symptoms of Diabetes
Recognizing early symptoms of diabetes is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. Common symptoms include:
-
Frequent urination (polyuria)
-
Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
-
Unexplained weight loss
-
Increased hunger (polyphagia)
-
Fatigue and weakness
-
Blurred vision
-
Slow-healing wounds and infections
-
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (diabetic neuropathy)
6. Diagnosis and Tests
Several tests are available to diagnose diabetes:
-
Fasting Blood Sugar Test (FBS): Measures blood glucose levels after fasting for 8 hours.
-
Random Blood Sugar Test: Measures glucose levels at any time of the day.
-
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after consuming a glucose-rich drink.
-
Hemoglobin A1C Test: Provides an average blood sugar level over 2–3 months.
A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher or an A1C level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes.
7. End of Lecture Quiz
Question 1: What is the primary function of insulin in the body?
a) Break down food in the stomach
b) Convert glucose into energy
c) Transport oxygen in the blood
d) Eliminate waste from the body
Answer: b) Convert glucose into energy
(Insulin helps cells absorb glucose and use it for energy production.)
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a type of diabetes?
a) Type 1 Diabetes
b) Type 2 Diabetes
c) Gestational Diabetes
d) Postmenopausal Diabetes
Answer: d) Postmenopausal Diabetes
(There is no specific diabetes type known as “postmenopausal diabetes.”)
Question 3: What is a common symptom of diabetes?
a) Increased thirst
b) Excessive sleep
c) Decreased appetite
d) High blood pressure
Answer: a) Increased thirst
(Excessive thirst (polydipsia) is a classic symptom of diabetes due to high blood sugar levels.)
8. Additional Resources
For further learning and reliable information, explore the following resources:
-
World Health Organization (WHO) – Diabetes Facts: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Diabetes Basics: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/index.html
-
American Diabetes Association (ADA): https://www.diabetes.org
9. Key Takeaways
-
Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation due to insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance.
-
The main types of diabetes include Type 1, Type 2, Gestational Diabetes, and Prediabetes.
-
Symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, and fatigue can indicate diabetes.
-
Risk factors include genetics, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary habits.
-
Early diagnosis and management are essential to prevent complications.
This concludes the Overview of Diabetes lecture. Continue to the next module to learn more about the different types of diabetes and their management.
