sokeritautiin

Sokeritauti is the Finnish term for diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (sugar). This condition arises from defects in insulin production, insulin secretion, or the body's use of insulin, or a combination of these factors. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar.

There are several main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin production. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells don't respond properly to insulin (insulin resistance). Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, but it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and child.

Symptoms of diabetes can include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. If left untreated, high blood sugar levels can lead to serious long-term complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Management typically involves lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, and in some cases, medication or insulin therapy. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial for effective management.