Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar (glucose) resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells for energy production.
There are primarily three types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: This type occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 Diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, and/or the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs.
Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Atherosclerosis: Diabetes contributes to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fat, and other substances) in the arteries.
Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar levels, a hallmark of diabetes, can damage the lining of blood vessels (endothelium) and promote inflammation, contributing to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Insulin Resistance : Insulin resistance not only leads to elevated blood sugar levels but also affects lipid metabolism, resulting in abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, further promoting atherosclerosis.
Hypertension : Diabetes is often associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), which further strains the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys' filtering system, leading to kidney failure or the need for dialysis.
Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication of diabetes and refers to kidney damage caused by diabetes.
Glomerular Damage: The kidneys contain tiny blood vessels called glomeruli that filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood to form urine.
Microvascular Complications : Diabetic nephropathy is considered a microvascular complication of diabetes, meaning it primarily affects the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
Hypertension :Diabetes is often associated with hypertension (high blood pressure), which further damages the kidneys by placing additional strain on the blood vessels and increasing the risk of kidney injury.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain, particularly in the extremities.
Diabetic Neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes characterized by nerve damage.
Peripheral Neuropathy:Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy and typically affects the nerves in the feet and legs first.
Autonomic Neuropathy:Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, bladder control, and sexual function.
Focal Neuropathy: Focal neuropathy, also known as mononeuropathy, affects specific nerves and typically develops suddenly.
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems and potentially blindness if left untreated.
Diabetic Retinopathy A complication of diabetes where high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina.
Hypertensive Retinopathy:Caused by high blood pressure, which damages the small blood vessels in the retina.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Affects premature infants and occurs when blood vessels in the retina develop abnormally.