What is Diabetes?

When the food we take into our body is digested, simple sugars called glucose are released. Glucose is the main source of nutrition for all body organs. In order for cells to use glucose as energy, glucose must be transported into the cell. Insulin hormone is secreted by the pancreas, which allows glucose to be taken into the cell and stored as glycogen. Diabetes is high blood sugar that occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin. Types of diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes and Latent Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when the body cannot produce enough insulin to control blood sugar. Due to this, the glucose level in the blood increases. It usually starts at a young age. Diabetic ketoacidosis may occur as a result of insulin deficiency in the body and this may lead to weight loss. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which body cells become resistant to insulin and cannot benefit from the sugar in the blood.

Excess weight may occur due to genetics and stress. It increases the risk of excessive thirst, fatigue and heart and nerve diseases in later ages. Gestational diabetes, known as gestational diabetes, is caused by the pancreas not being able to provide enough insulin as pregnancy progresses. Individuals with genetic factors may encounter this situation more easily. This situation usually resolves spontaneously when the pregnancy ends. If it does not improve, it may turn into type 2 diabetes in the future. Latent diabetes is a condition in which the individual's blood level is high under normal conditions, but is not at a level that would diagnose diabetes. Over time, it can turn into type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, diabetes presents various risk factors. Family history, age, sedentary lifestyle, stress, obesity, pancreatic disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance can cause diabetes. Other diseases that diabetes can cause are cardiovascular diseases, nervous system diseases, kidney failure, diabetic foot, eye vascular and retina diseases and erection problems.

How to Treat Diabetes?

To treat diabetes as a chronic disease, blood sugar must be kept within normal limits. Insulin therapy is appropriate for type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Oral antidiabetic treatment is provided for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Changes in diet and lifestyle are recommended for all types of diabetes. Our internal medicine specialist will help you with diet and exercise issues, and when necessary, joint decisions will be made and implemented with the dietitian.