Diabetes is the most frequently occurring metabolic disease that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. According to WHO data, the number of people with diabetes increased from 108 million to 422 million from 1980 to 2014.

In case of type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to use glucose for energy. Without the help of insulin, the cells are unable to absorb glucose.

When type 2 diabetes occurs, the body resists the effects of insulin.

Noninsulin-dependent diabetes appears when beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin, but the hormone is unable to exert its effect because the cells are insensitive to it. This type of insensitivity is called insulin resistance that is the consequence of the malfunction of insulin receptors. It occurs in the early stage of type 2 diabetes.

• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Genetic predisposition

It occurs mostly in older age.

The body compensates for the malfunction of the insulin receptors, so it starts to produce more insulin to help glucose getting into the cells that’s why the symptoms of the disease do not appear for a long time. It is often diagnosed only when complications occur.

Insulin resistance test is recommended in case of genetic predisposition. Insulin resistance appears in the early stage of type 2 diabetes, therefore the patient can do a lot at this point against the disease with lifestyle changes.

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Slow wound healing
• Itching
• Frequent infections
• Blurred vision

Hyperglycemia

The level of glucose in the bloodstream is higher than it should be

Hypoglycaemia

Deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream

Ketoacidosis

Ketoacidosis occurs when cells cannot receive glucose for energy and the body begins to break down fat and muscle for energy. When it happens, ketons are produced and enter the bloodstream, causing a chemical imbalance.

• Skin diseases
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Deterioration of the vision, blindness
• Nerve damage
• Kidney damage
• Foot damage
• Osteoporosis
• Alzheimer’s disease

The treatment includes regular blood glucose control, appropriate physical activity and healthy diet, supplemented with medications and insulin therapy if necessary.