22 Aug 2024
Understanding Diabetes: Types and Risk Factors
The article provides a clear explanation of diabetes, a medical condition characterized by the body's difficulty in regulating blood glucose or sugar levels. Dr. Wiam Hussein, an endocrinologist, explains the two major types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is genetically determined and requires individuals to take daily insulin injections as their bodies stop producing insulin altogether. This type typically develops in children or young adults but can occur at any age.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is often linked to lifestyle factors, particularly obesity. It occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. This type is more common in older, overweight individuals and those with a family history of diabetes.
The article also lists the risk factors for developing diabetes, which include a family history of diabetes, obesity, lack of physical activity, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, a history of gestational diabetes, and belonging to high-risk ethnic or racial groups. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention of the disease.