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: 

  • 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. 
     
  • 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?

  • Siblings of people with type 1 diabetes
  • Children of parents with 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.

Click here to visit the Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia - Malaysian Diabetic Association website. Hotlink  provided here at www.PhAMA.org.my 

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