Blood sugar or glucose is a source of energy to your body, and it also facilitates the functioning of the brain. Glucose in the blood is obtained from the breakdown of carbohydrates, including food substances such as bread and potatoes. While blood sugar is essential, too much of it may result in health problems such as kidney disease and nerve problems. High glucose levels in the blood may be due to a medical condition such as San Pedro diabetes that affects your body’s response to make insulin. Insulin is responsible for glucose regulation in blood and is produced by the pancreas.

Types of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

The exact cause for Type 1 diabetes remains unclear, but it develops when your immune system attacks the insulin-secreting cells in your body. As a result, there is little to no insulin to regulate glucose in your blood. Sugar, therefore, accumulates in your bloodstream instead of being transported to the cells. It is a chronic condition with no cure, but fortunately, treatments such as Insulin Therapy can help patients manage their condition. By exercising and observing a healthy diet, most people with type 1 diabetes live every day.

Pre-diabetes

You have pre-diabetes when your blood sugar levels are higher than usual but not so high to be categorized as type 2 diabetes. Most patients with pre-diabetes exhibit no apparent symptoms, and therefore, you can have this condition and fail to know. This is why you should regularly visit your primary caregiver. However, you can still have diabetes symptoms such as fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination.

Fortunately, having pre-diabetes does not necessarily mean developing type 2 diabetes. You can reduce your blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes by following a treatment plan, eating healthy foods, and exercising.

Type 2 diabetes

It is the most common type of diabetes, and it develops when the cells in your body become resistant to insulin action. That means they do not absorb glucose, hence blood sugar increases. Because of the cells’ resistance, the pancreas produces more insulin until it cannot anymore. While the causes are uncertain, factors such as obesity are associated with type 2 diabetes. However, having excess body weight does not always mean that you will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The good news is you can manage this type of diabetes through fitness, healthy eating, and in some cases, medication.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy due to the hormones produced by the placenta. These hormones build insulin resistance in cells, which results in high blood sugar levels. The pancreas usually responds to this by producing more insulin, but there is only so much that it can give. With the help of a doctor, most women with gestational diabetes give birth to healthy babies. It is essential to address gestational diabetes as soon as it is diagnosed and, with the help of your specialist, bring the blood sugar to normal levels. Some women require insulin injections to manage gestational diabetes.

Leading a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. If you have further questions, consult your Harbor Community Health Centers specialist.