Diabetesen

Diabetesen is a Swedish word that directly translates to "diabetes" in English. It refers to a group of metabolic disorders characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels. This occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows glucose from the bloodstream to enter cells for energy.

There are several types of diabetesen. Type 1 diabetesen is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type typically develops in children and young adults and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetesen is the most common form and is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin, and eventually, the pancreas may not produce enough insulin. It is often associated with lifestyle factors like obesity and lack of physical activity, though genetics also plays a role. Gestational diabetesen occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, but it increases the risk of type 2 diabetesen for both mother and child later in life.

Symptoms of diabetesen can include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. If left unmanaged, high blood sugar levels can lead to serious long-term complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Diagnosis is typically made through blood tests measuring glucose levels. Management often involves a combination of diet, exercise, medication (including insulin), and regular monitoring of blood sugar.