Diabetes explained simply

In this article, you will find a wealth of important information on the subject of diabetes, explained in simple language. This text contains general information and is not a substitute for a visit to a doctor. 

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes is also known as sugar disease. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder. This means that the body cannot process sugar from food properly. The condition is characterised by too much sugar in the blood. The amount of sugar in the blood is called the blood sugar level. People with diabetes have a blood sugar level that is too high. A high blood sugar level is harmful. There are different types of diabetes.

What types of diabetes are there?

Type 1 diabetes

• The immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin.
• Those affected need to take insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes

• The body cannot use insulin properly.
• Often caused by being overweight and a lack of exercise.

Gestational diabetes

• Occurs during pregnancy.
• It often goes away after the birth.

Special forms, such as type 3 diabetes

• Very rare types of diabetes.
• All types of diabetes that are neither type 1 nor type 2 diabetes.

What is type 1 diabetes?

In Austria, around 30,000 people have type 1 diabetes. This condition often affects young people.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the pancreas. As a result, the body can no longer produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. There is too little insulin in the body. This causes blood sugar levels to rise. High blood sugar is bad for your health.

What are the signs of type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes can have many symptoms. These include, for example:

• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Lack of appetite 
• Breath smells of acetone. (Acetone smells like nail varnish remover.)

What causes type 1 diabetes?

The exact causes are unclear. Genetic predisposition probably plays a role. Genetic predisposition means that if someone in the family already has type 1 diabetes, you are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes yourself.

How is type 1 diabetes treated?

Lifelong insulin therapy is necessary. This means that people with type 1 diabetes must inject the hormone insulin. The amount depends on eating habits, age and lifestyle. Insulin pumps are also available. These pumps deliver insulin to the body at regular intervals. 

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is mostly older people who develop type 2 diabetes. However, younger people can also develop diabetes. 

In this condition, the body cannot process the hormone insulin properly. As a result, sugar remains in the blood. This causes blood sugar levels to be too high. High blood sugar is bad for your health. 

What are the causes of type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can have many causes. These include, for example:

• being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• Heredity
• Smoking
• Age
• if someone in the family has type 2 diabetes
• high blood pressure

What are the signs of type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly and is sometimes not diagnosed until years later. Signs may include, for example:

• extreme thirst
• fatigue
• poor wound healing
• forgetfulness
• frequent infections
• Frequent urination

Why is type 2 diabetes dangerous?

People with type 2 diabetes are at risk of developing other health conditions. These include, for example:

• Heart attack
• Vision may deteriorate
• kidney damage
• Numbness in the hands and feet
• Wounds may heal poorly

What can be done about type 2 diabetes?

There’s a lot you can do to at least delay the onset of the disease. You can: 

• Eat healthily 
• Take exercise
• avoid alcohol or drink very little
• Avoid stress

Why is diabetes dangerous?

Diabetes can be dangerous because it prevents the body from functioning properly. Too much sugar in the blood damages the body and can make you ill.

Other types of diabetes

Most people have type 2 diabetes. Some people have type 1 diabetes. There is also type 3 diabetes. These are very rare forms of diabetes grouped together. Then there is also gestational diabetes. 

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are too high during pregnancy. This condition usually goes away after the baby is born. Around five in every 100 pregnant women are affected by it. 

A test carried out as part of the antenatal check-ups helps to detect gestational diabetes quickly. It is important to treat gestational diabetes; otherwise, it can be dangerous for both mother and baby.