Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your body can’t make or effectively use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy. This can lead to various health problems.

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to survive.

Type 2 diabetes is more common and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin. It’s often associated with obesity and lack of physical activity.

Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, constant hunger, blurry vision, and fatigue. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Risk factors for diabetes include family history of diabetes, overweight or obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, increasing age, high blood pressure, ethnicity, history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a child over 9 pounds.

Managing diabetes involves monitoring blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods and sugars, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and taking medication or insulin as prescribed by your doctor.

Remember: while diabetes is a serious condition that requires daily management, it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes, you can live a healthy and fulfilling life with diabetes.