Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, the prevalence of which has increased sharply worldwide. There is a distinction between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. But what is it exactly? Explanations.
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According to figures from the International Diabetes Federation relayed by Passeport Santé, the number of diabetics could drop from 285 million in 2010 to 438 million in 2030. A worrying phenomenon qualified as a “real pandemic”. In fact, over the past ten years, the prevalence of diabetes has increased considerably: in France, we have gone from 1.6 million diabetics to more than 3 million. A number that continues to grow.
Definition: what is diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which results in an abnormally high blood glucose level (glycemia): we talk abouthyperglycemia, linked to a dysfunction of the pancreas, as indicated by the French Federation of diabetics. The assimilation and storage of sugars provided by food is disturbed. More specifically, it is linked to a dysfunction in the hormone produced by the cells of the pancreas, theinsulin.
When you eat, the blood sugar level rises due to the conversion of carbohydrates from food into glucose. When the body detects this increase, it triggers the secretion of insulin in the pancreas. Released, the hormone will promote the storage of glucose in cells and in the liver, lowering blood sugar again.
In people with diabetes, this system no longer works, leading to hyperglycemia. Nevertheless, there are different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 diabetes (and gestational diabetes during pregnancy). And not all have the same origins.
Type 1, type 2, different diabetes
The type 1 diabetes, formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes” or “juvenile” diabetes is usually found in young people: children, adolescents or young adults. This form, which affects 10% of diabetics, occurs when the pancreas no longer produces or does not have enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. This is due to an autoimmune reaction.
For reasons still unknown, the body begins to attack and destroy certain cells of the pancreas which can no longer produce the essential hormone. In the absence of insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and the blood sugar level remains constantly high even on an empty stomach.
The Type 2 diabetes sometimes called non-insulinodependant diabetes” or “middle-aged” diabetes, appears as its name suggests in older subjects. It is the most frequent form: it concerns 80% of diabetics and uses a mechanism different from that of type 1. In these diabetics, the production of insulin is generally normal, nevertheless, the hormone is badly used.
Although it is released, the cells no longer react to its presence: we speak ofinsulin resistance. In fact, glucose stays in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia. Faced with this resistance, the pancreas begins to produce more insulin, which eventually depletes it. Ultimately, it can no longer ensure sufficient production of hormone.
Symptoms of diabetes
Constant hyperglycemia (contrary to hypoglycemia) has many consequences on the body and causes a whole series of symptoms. However, the signs are generally more discreet in the case of type 2 diabetes. The latter can thus progress gradually without the person being aware of it. The main symptoms are:
– a increased thirst and hunger
– a more frequent urge to urinate
– a weakness and an tired excessive
– a weightloss fast and unexplained
– of infections more frequent
– a slowing the healing process in case of a wound
– a dry eyes or blurred vision
All of these signs should alert and prompt you to consult a doctor who will perform tests to confirm or not the presence of diabetes. The diagnosis is made in particular by a blood test with an empty stomach. If the fasting blood sugar is equal to or greater than 1.26 g / l, and this, on two occasions, diabetes is confirmed. Additional examinations can be performed to assess the patient’s general health.
Diabetes treatment
Diabetes is today an incurable disease. However, if it is not treated daily, it can lead to serious complications for the body. This is why it is important to diagnose diabetes to treat it and control it as soon as possible. Since type 1 diabetes is due to an absence of insulin, the treatment will consist of daily hormone injections which will lower your blood sugar.
For type 2 diabetes, favored in particular by overweight, obesity and lack of physical activity, the treatment is more complex. It consists first of all of hygieno-dietetic measures designed to promote physical activity and a varied and balanced diet. Added to this are anti-diabetic treatments which will in particular stimulate the action of insulin on the cells of the body.
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When the pancreas can no longer make enough insulin, hormone injections, as in type 1 diabetes, are necessary. In both cases, the goal of treatment is to normalize blood sugar to reduce the impact on the body. If medical follow-up and regular examinations are necessary, diabetics can live a normal active life.
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