Diabétesz

Diabétesz, commonly known as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the blood. This occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar.

There are several main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It typically develops in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for about 90-95% of all cases. It is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, and often a relative deficiency in insulin production. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity, and can develop at any age. Gestational diabetes is a temporary form that occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, though it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The long-term complications of poorly controlled diabetes can be severe and affect various organs. These include cardiovascular disease, kidney damage (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), and foot problems. Diagnosis is typically made through blood tests measuring glucose levels, such as fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance tests, and A1C tests. Management strategies vary depending on the type of diabetes but often involve lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, blood glucose monitoring, and medication, including oral agents and insulin.