The word diabetes was coined by the 2nd-century A.D. Greek physician, Aretus the Cappadocian, meaning 'the siphon' as the condition is characterized by excessive urination. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels. The word mellitus was added to diabetes in 1675 by Thomas Willis. Mel in Latin means honey and refers to the excess of glucose in the urine and blood of people with diabetes.
Types of diabetes
According to WHO, there are three main types of diabetes:
Diabetes Type 1 - The body does not produce insulin at all. Also called early onset or juvenile diabetes, it requires the person to inject insulin throughout his/her life. People suffering from this types of diabetes are also very prone to ketoacidosis. The cause is not certain and could be genetic, viral, or multifactorial.
Diabetes Type 2 - Also called maturity onset, Type 2 diabetes is a result of insulin resistance. The body doesn't produce enough insulin, or is not able to utilize insulin effectively.
Gestational Diabetes - A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
Diabetes Types 1 & 2 are chronic, lifelong medical conditions. Gestational diabetes usually disappears after the birth of a child but can later lead to type 2 diabetes. Juvenile diabetes may be either Type 1 or Type 2, and is seen in children or adolescents.
Symptoms
- Common symptoms of diabetes are:
- Frequent urination
- Disproportionate thirst
- Intense hunger
- Weight gain
- Unusual weight loss (More common azmong people with Diabetes Type 1)
- Increased fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and bruises don't heal properly or quickly
- More skin and/or yeast infections
- Itchy skin Red or swollen gums
- Numbness or tingling, especially in the feet and hands.
Diabetes is typically detected by carrying out a urine test, followed by a blood test.
