What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the pancreas is unable to produce adequate insulin, and/or the body’s cells are unable to absorb enough insulin, resulting in elevated levels of glucose in the blood.

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the most common forms, but it also includes gestational diabetes (which occurs in pregnancy).

Causes of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.  Factors that have been implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases include leaky gut and vitamin D deficiency. 

Type 2 diabetes typically occurs as the result of a diet high in refined carbohydrates.  Carbohydrates cause surges of glucose into the bloodstream, and the pancreas may not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells ignore the insulin (known as insulin resistance). 

Physical inactivity and being overweight also increase the risk, as do certain medications, including statins.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, sores that do not heal, and unexplained weight loss.

Long-term effects of Diabetes

Elevated blood glucose levels can cause chronic inflammation in the blood vessels that service the major organs, so the long-term effects of diabetes are widespread and can include digestive problems, blindness, kidney failure, neuropathy, gum recession and tooth loss, chronic infections and sores, gangrene, amputations, erectile dysfunction, heart failure, stroke, coma and death.