Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. To understand diabetes, we need to know key terms: glucose is the sugar in our blood, insulin is the hormone that regulates glucose, and blood sugar refers to the amount of glucose in our bloodstream. Normal blood glucose levels range from 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter. Prediabetic levels are between 100 and 125, while diabetic levels are 126 or higher. This chart shows how blood glucose levels differ between normal, prediabetic, and diabetic conditions.
Normal blood sugar regulation is a carefully controlled process. When we eat, food is digested into glucose which enters our bloodstream. The pancreas detects this rise in blood glucose and releases insulin. Insulin acts like a key that unlocks cells, allowing glucose to enter and be used for energy. The liver also plays a crucial role by storing excess glucose for later use. This diagram shows how the pancreas produces insulin, which helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells, while the liver stores any excess glucose. This coordinated system keeps our blood sugar levels within the normal range.
There are three main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This usually occurs in childhood and represents 5 to 10 percent of all diabetes cases. People with Type 1 diabetes require insulin injections to survive. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where cells don't respond properly to insulin. This typically develops in adulthood and accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases. It's often related to lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery, affecting 2 to 10 percent of pregnancies. Each type has different causes and requires different management approaches.