Diabetes is a serious health condition that can cause many people to experience further health problems. We have put together this information to provide you with a better understanding of the different types of diabetes, the symptoms and causes to look out for, and, most importantly, what you can do if you have diabetes.
At Detroit Weight Loss Center in Commerce Charter Twp and Southfield, MI, we are helping many patients manage their diabetes through weight management coaching and bariatric surgery. If you would like to know more about how we can help you, call our office today!
Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels in the body are too high. Unfortunately, this condition can affect just about anyone.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or when the body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin. Insulin acts as a key to allow glucose into the cells to provide them with energy.
When there’s a problem in this process, blood sugar levels can rise, leading to potential health issues—like damaged blood vessels, heart disease, and even nerve damage. The technical name for diabetes is diabetes mellitus.
There are many different types of diabetes. They include the following:
In type 2 diabetes, the body resists responding to normal or even elevated levels of insulin, and over time, the pancreas does not make enough insulin. It is commonly experienced in adults, but it can also affect children.
Prediabetes is usually the stage just before Type 2 diabetes is realized. It is when you have higher than normal blood glucose levels.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
It’s possible to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Those who have gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Shortly after birth, a mother can develop low blood sugar.
Type 3c, LADA, MODY, Neonatal, and Brittle diabetes have their own distinct causes and characteristics.
Common symptoms of diabetes include the following:
Having high blood sugar levels is the reason you might have diabetes. The cause for the rise will usually depend on the type of diabetes you have. The possible causes of diabetes are as follows:
Insulin resistance is usually the cause of Type 2 diabetes. The cells in your muscles, fat, and liver stop responding to insulin in the way that they should. Contributing factors also include inactivity, obesity, diet, genetics, and certain medications.
When your immune system attacks your insulin-producing cells, it can cause Type 1 diabetes and LADA.
Pregnancy-related hormones can cause gestational diabetes. The hormones released from the placenta cause insulin resistance. If you are unable to produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance, you could develop gestational diabetes. Hormonal imbalances that are responsible for Cushing Syndrome and acromegaly can also lead to Type 2 diabetes.
If your pancreas gets damaged through injury or surgery, it could possibly affect your insulin production. This can lead to Type 3 diabetes.
MODY and neonatal diabetes can be caused by genetic mutations.
Long-term use of specific medications used to treat HIV/AIDS and corticosteroids may contribute to Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes can be diagnosed with one of the following three different types of blood sugar level tests:
Without treatment, Type 2 diabetes can cause various health problems—like heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. Eventually, diabetes complications may be disabling or even life-threatening.
An important way of managing diabetes is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The following methods are used to manage diabetes:
You can sometimes prevent diabetes from occurring by implementing the following lifestyle choices in your life:
Excessive weight gain is closely linked to Type 2 diabetes. Both conditions can be caused by a low metabolism. Weight loss surgery is a very effective way of tackling both conditions, and many weight loss surgery patients experience a remission of Type 2 diabetes. After weight loss surgery, the body’s ability to use sugar in a healthy way can be regained.
Schedule your appointment at Detroit Weight Loss Center in Commerce Charter Township or Southfield, Michigan today! Dr. Blake Movitz offers several treatments that could help you experience effective weight loss—which, in turn, can help you in your fight against Type 2 diabetes. Contact our office now to learn more about how we can help!
Medically reviewed by Dr. Blake Movitz, MD, FACS
Dr. Blake Movitz
Fellowship trained from the Mayo Clinic in Minimally Invasive Advanced GI Surgery, Complex Endoscopy and Bariatric Surgery.
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“I highly recommend Dr. Movitz for his exceptional and comprehensive approach to healthcare. He meticulously reviewed all past tests and considered every aspect of my case then provided me with a well-rounded plan of action. He is truly a knowledgeable, caring, and personable professional.” Carol W.