HEALTH TALK FOR TODAY (DIABETES) – part 1 - PLEASE READ AND COMMENT

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or effectively use the insulin it produces.

What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. It helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream to use for energy.

Here are the main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes
- An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Typically develops in childhood or adolescence.
- Requires insulin therapy to manage blood sugar levels.

2. Type 2 Diabetes
- A metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion.
- Often associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet.
- Can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication.

3. Gestational Diabetes
- Develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester.
- Typically goes away after pregnancy, but women with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

4. LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)
- A form of type 1 diabetes that develops in adults.
- Often mistaken for type 2 diabetes, but requires insulin therapy.

5. MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young)
- A rare form of diabetes caused by genetic mutations.
- Typically develops in young adulthood.

6. Secondary Diabetes
- Develops as a result of another medical condition or treatment, such as pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery, or certain medications.

Each type of diabetes has its own unique characteristics and management strategies.