What is Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus in general means a failure in carbohydrate metabolism by hereditary and/or environmental factors. Simply put: The body is not able to appropriately utilize sugar as the most important supplier of energy. It is a chronic condition that leads to high concentrations of sugar in the blood stream. Three main types of diabetes are existing:

Type 2 diabetes

In type 2 diabetes – or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) - the body produces some insulin but not an appropriate amount or it is not working as well as in people without diabetes. A leading cause is being overweight and lack of exercise. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for up to 95% of all diabetes in the western industrial countries.

Type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes – also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) - the body is not producing any insulin. It often starts in childhood or adolescence and can also start at a later age.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy. The body of a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes produces insulin but it is not working as well as in people without diabetes. Sometimes it is necessary for the mother to take insulin.

First Signs of Diabetes

At the beginning of the disease (or if poorly treated), there may be symptoms and measures such as:

• High concentrations of sugar in your blood (high blood glucose)
• Sugar in the urine
• Excessive urine production
• Thirst, hunger, loss of weight (mostly in type 1 diabetes)