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Have you ever wondered why some people have to avoid sugar, take daily medicines, or inject insulin? The answer often lies in one condition: Diabetes.
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) health condition that affects how your body uses insulin, a hormone made by an organ called the pancreas. Insulin helps control the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. When your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly, sugar builds up in the blood, and that’s what we call diabetes.
The good news? With early understanding, simple lifestyle changes, and support from the right professionals, diabetes can be managed effectively, and in some cases, complications can be completely avoided.
There are mainly three types of diabetes, and each one affects people in slightly different ways. Let’s break them down in plain words.
This type is usually found in children and young adults, although it can happen at any age. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas and stops it from making insulin.
Doctors believe it could be linked to genes, some viruses, or unknown triggers. It’s not caused by a poor lifestyle; it just happens.
If not treated with insulin and proper care, it can lead to problems with the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
This is the most common type of diabetes, especially in adults over 35 — though now even younger people and teens are getting it due to unhealthy food habits, lack of exercise, and stress.
Here, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it well. Over time, sugar keeps building up in the blood and causes harm.
Long-term high blood sugar can quietly damage:
In serious cases, blood sugar can shoot up dangerously high (above 600 mg/dL) and cause multi-organ failure — this is a life-threatening emergency.
This type affects pregnant women, usually between the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. Even if you never had diabetes before, pregnancy hormones can block insulin, and your sugar levels may rise.
Usually, there are no visible signs — that’s why a routine blood sugar test during pregnancy is important.
If not managed, it can affect the baby’s growth and increase the mother’s chances of getting Type 2 Diabetes later.
Living with diabetes — or having a loved one who has it — can be overwhelming at first. But remember: awareness, action, and the right support can make a big difference. Most importantly, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. A simple sugar test, a quick walk, or a balanced meal can be the first step to a healthier life.
Caring for someone with diabetes — especially an elderly parent or a busy family member — can be challenging. From checking sugar levels to coordinating doctor visits, the stress adds up.
That’s where Care247 steps in.
Whether you’re living abroad or in another city, Care247 helps ensure your family receives timely, trusted, and compassionate care, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes.
Visit: www.care247.in to learn more or call 1800 2021 247 for support.
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