What is Diabetes?

There generally 3 types of Diabetes. Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Type 1 Diabetes.

Diabetes arises when blood glucose levels become excessively high. Normally, after eating, foods break down into sugars in the gut and are absorbed by the body, with glucose being the primary sugar. Maintaining a healthy blood glucose level is crucial; it should neither be too high nor too low. Insulin, a hormone produced by special cells in the pancreas, facilitates the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells, thus regulating blood sugar levels.

Pre-diabetes, also known as non-diabetic hyperglycaemia or impaired glucose tolerance, is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. This elevated glucose level increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form, individuals either don't produce enough insulin for their body's needs or their cells don't respond properly to insulin. Type 2 diabetes typically manifests after age 25 especially in those individuals that have a family history of diabetes, and is more frequent among those who are overweight. It also has a higher prevalence among African, Afro-Caribbean, and Asian populations.

Type 1 diabetes, is a chronic condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin production, leading to high blood sugar levels. It often develops in children and young adults, requiring lifelong management with insulin therapy, blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.