What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is a mystery, although both genetics and environment appear to play roles. There are two major types of diabetes:
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Insulin-Dependent ( Type 1 )
An autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce any insulin, most often occurring in children and young adults. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive.
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Non-Insulin-Dependent ( Type 2 )
A metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough or properly use insulin, it is the most common form of the disease.
Who Is At Greater Risk For Type 1 Diabetes?
Who Is At Greater Risk For Type 2 Diabetes?
- People with a family history of diabetes.
- People who are overweight.
- People who do not exercise regularly
- Women who have had a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds at birth.
Warning Signs Of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes:
- Frequent urination.
- Unusual thirst.
- Extreme hunger.
- Unusual weight loss.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Irritability.
Type 2 Diabetes: A ny of the type 1 symptoms, plus...
- Frequent infections.
- Blurred vision.
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal.
- Tingling/numbness in the hands or feet.
- Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections.
The above information is abstracted from the website of the Malaysian Diabetes Association
(Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia - PDM). Visit the Malaysian Diabetes Association website here.
Other useful links: