What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose (sugar) enter your cells to be used for energy.

There are three main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes
– An autoimmune condition where the body attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells
– Usually diagnosed in children and young adults
– Requires daily insulin treatment
– Not preventable with current knowledge

2. Type 2 Diabetes
– Most common form (90-95% of cases)
– Body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough
– Often develops gradually over years
– Can be influenced by lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and weight
– May be managed through lifestyle changes and/or medication

3. Gestational Diabetes
– Develops during pregnancy
– Usually resolves after giving birth
– Increases risk of developing type 2 diabetes later

Common symptoms include:
– Increased thirst and urination
– Extreme hunger
– Fatigue
– Blurred vision
– Slow-healing sores
– Unexplained weight loss (Type 1)
– Numbness/tingling in hands/feet

Symptoms of Diabetes

 It’s important to note that symptoms can vary between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and some people may not notice symptoms initially.

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

1. Frequent urination (polyuria)
   – Especially at night
   – Due to excess glucose in the bloodstream causing the kidneys to work harder

2. Increased thirst (polydipsia)
   – Often accompanies frequent urination
   – Body’s response to fluid loss

3. Increased hunger (polyphagia)
   – Especially notable in Type 1 diabetes
   – Cells aren’t getting enough glucose for energy

4. Fatigue
   – Feeling tired and weak
   – Due to cells not getting enough glucose

5. Blurred vision
   – Caused by fluid changes in eye tissues
   – May be temporary or ongoing

6. Slow-healing wounds
   – Cuts and sores take longer to heal
   – More common in Type 2 diabetes

Additional symptoms that may occur:
– Unexplained weight loss (especially in Type 1)
– Numbness or tingling in hands/feet (diabetic neuropathy)
– Dry, itchy skin
– Frequent infections

Type 1 diabetes symptoms often develop quickly and can be severe, while Type 2 diabetes symptoms usually develop gradually.

Causes of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes:
– Autoimmune response where the body attacks insulin-producing cells
– Genetic factors
– Possible environmental triggers
– Usually develops in childhood or young adulthood

Type 2 Diabetes:
1. Primary Risk Factors:
– Obesity and excess body weight
– Physical inactivity
– Poor diet (especially high in sugar and processed foods)
– Age (risk increases after 45)

2. Other Contributing Factors:
– Family history and genetics
– Ethnicity (higher risk in certain populations)
– High blood pressure
– History of gestational diabetes
– Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Gestational Diabetes:
– Hormonal changes during pregnancy
– Family history
– Being overweight before pregnancy
– Age (over 25)

Preventive Measures for Type 2 Diabetes:
– Maintaining a healthy weight
– Regular exercise
– Balanced diet
– Regular health screenings
– Stress management

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes .

Key Benefits and Potential Applications:

1. Type 1 Diabetes Applications:
– Can potentially generate new insulin-producing beta cells
– May restore natural insulin production and glucose regulation
– Could reduce or eliminate dependency on external insulin

2. Treatment Mechanism:
– Stem cells can be guided to develop into insulin-producing cells
– These cells can be transplanted to replace damaged pancreatic tissue
– May help preserve remaining beta cell function when caught early

3. Research-Supported Benefits:
– Improved glucose control in clinical trials
– Potential long-term blood sugar management
– Reduced risk of diabetes-related complications

4. Advantages Over Traditional Treatments:
– More targeted approach than conventional medications
– Potential for longer-lasting results
– Addresses root cause rather than just managing symptoms

Important Considerations:

1. Current Status:
– Most applications are still in clinical trials
– Not yet widely available as standard treatment
– Results vary among patients

2. Safety Factors:
– Risk of immune rejection
– Need for immunosuppression in some cases
– Careful patient screening required

3. Limitations:
– High cost of treatment
– Limited accessibility
– Requires specialized medical facilities