An inability of the body to process sugar due to a lack of or resistance to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It is commonly associated with obesity and pregnancy, but can also be the result of autoimmune destruction of the pancreas, the organ that secretes insulin.

Diabetes mellitus is commonly known as diabetes. It is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored and used for energy. If you have diabetes then your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it does make.

Untreated high blood sugar from diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and different organs.

There are a few different types of diabetes:

• 1. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas, where insulin is made. It’s unclear what causes this attack. About 10% of people with diabetes have this type of diabetes.
• 2. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin, and sugar builds up in your blood.
• Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but it’s not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

• 3. Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar during pregnancy. Insulin-blocking hormones produced by the placenta cause this type of diabetes.

An uncommon condition called diabetes insipidus isn't identified with diabetes mellitus, although it has a similar name. It's an alternate condition in which your kidneys remove a lot of fluid from your body.

Each type of diabetes has one of the unique side effects, causes, and medications.

Symptoms of diabetes are caused by rising blood sugar.

• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Extreme fatigue
• Sores that don’t heal

Symptoms in men: In addition to the general symptoms of diabetes, men with diabetes may have a decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction (ED), and poor muscle strength.

Symptoms in women: In addition to the general symptoms of diabetes, women with diabetes can also have symptoms such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and dry, itchy skin.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can include:

• Extreme hunger
• Increased thirst
• Unintentional weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Tiredness

It may also result in mood changes.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:

• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Blurry vision
• Tiredness
• Sores that are slow to heal

It may also cause recurring infections. This is because elevated glucose levels make it harder for the body to heal.

Gestational diabetes: Women with gestational diabetes don’t have any symptoms. The condition is often detected during a regular blood sugar test or oral glucose tolerance test that is usually performed between the 24th & 28th weeks of gestation.

In some cases, a woman with gestational diabetes will also experience increased thirst or urination.

The bottom line: Diabetes symptoms can be mild that they are difficult to spot at first. Learn which signs & symptoms should prompt a trip to the doctor.

Different causes are associated with each type of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes: Doctors don’t know exactly what is the reason for type 1 diabetes. For some reason, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes stems from a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight or obese increases your risk too. Carrying extra weight in your belly makes your cells more resistant to the effects of insulin on your blood sugar.

This condition runs in families. Family members share genes that make them more likely to get type 2 diabetes and to be overweight.

Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is the result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. The placenta produces hormones that make a pregnant woman’s cells less sensitive to the effects of insulin. This can cause high blood sugar during pregnancy.

Women who are overweight when they get pregnant or who gain too much weight during their pregnancy are more likely to get gestational diabetes.

The bottom line: Both genes and environmental factors play a role in triggering diabetes.

Doctors treat diabetes with a few different medications. Some of these medicines are taken by mouth, while others are available as injections.

Type 1 diabetes: Insulin is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes. It replaces the hormone your body isn’t able to produce.

There are four types of insulin that are most commonly used. They’re differentiated by how quickly they start to work, and how long their effects last:

1. Rapid-acting insulin starts to work within 15 minutes and its effects last for 3 to 4 hours.
2. Short-acting insulin starts to work within 30 minutes and lasts 6 to 8 hours.
3. Intermediate-acting insulin starts to work within 1 to 2 hours and lasts 12 to 18 hours.
4. Long-acting insulin starts to work a few hours after injection and lasts 24 hours or longer.

Type 2 diabetes: Diet and exercise can help some people manage type 2 diabetes. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to lower your blood sugar, you’ll need to take medication.

Gestational diabetes: You’ll need to monitor your blood sugar level several times a day during pregnancy. If it’s high, dietary changes and exercise may or may not be enough to bring it down.