Diabetes mellitus, also known as "honey-sweet flow" or colloquially as diabetes, refers to a metabolic disorder in which the body can no longer properly process carbohydrates. The cause is a deficiency of the hormone insulin, which ensures that sugar, or more precisely glucose, can be absorbed into the cells. There can be various underlying reasons for this. Diabetes is not just one condition: while the immune system plays a decisive role in type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes usually develops over a longer period. Another form can occur during pregnancy.
This article explains the most important concepts in a clear and compact manner.
* Proportion of the population aged 15 and over in private households with diabetes, according to the Swiss Health Survey 2022.
To provide our body with energy, part of our food is broken down into glucose. This enters the blood and is available to the body's cells as a source of energy. Insulin plays an important role in this. The hormone is produced in the pancreas and helps to absorb glucose from the blood into various body cells.
In diabetes, this interaction is disrupted. Depending on the type of diabetes, the body produces too little or no insulin, or the body cells no longer react sufficiently to it. As a result, more glucose remains in the blood and blood sugar levels rise.
Diabetes mellitus includes various forms of the disease. The most well-known are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Although elevated blood sugar levels occur in all forms, their causes differ significantly.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little to no insulin of its own over time.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Those affected require insulin. The disease often begins in childhood or adolescence, but can theoretically occur at any age.
In type 2 diabetes, insulin is usually still present initially. However, the body's cells become increasingly less sensitive to insulin. This is known as insulin resistance.
As the condition progresses, insulin production may also decrease. Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually and can therefore remain unnoticed for a long time.
Gestational diabetes is a disorder of glucose metabolism that is identified during pregnancy. Blood sugar levels are elevated.
After pregnancy, blood sugar levels often normalize. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at an increased long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own cells. This affects the so-called beta cells in the pancreas, which produce the hormone insulin.
As more and more of these cells are destroyed, the body is able to produce less and less insulin. Eventually, a pronounced or absolute insulin deficiency occurs. Since insulin plays a central role in blood sugar regulation, people with type 1 diabetes must supplement insulin.
Why this autoimmune reaction occurs in some people is not yet fully understood. It is known that genetic predisposition plays a role. In addition, other potential influencing factors are being researched. Type 1 diabetes is not a consequence of a sugar-rich diet or a specific lifestyle.
Type 2 diabetes develops differently. Initially, the pancreas usually continues to produce insulin. However, the body's cells react less and less sensitively to it. This reduced effect of insulin is referred to as insulin resistance.
The body initially tries to compensate for this by having the pancreas produce more insulin. Over time, however, this additional insulin production may no longer be sufficient. As it progresses, the pancreas's ability to produce insulin can also decrease – blood sugar levels rise.
The development of type 2 diabetes is complex and cannot be traced back to a single cause. In addition to genetic predisposition and age, modifiable factors also play a role. These include physical activity, diet, and obesity, particularly increased fat tissue in the abdominal area.
Good to know: Type 2 diabetes was formerly often referred to as "adult-onset diabetes." This term is used less frequently today. While the disease occurs more frequently with increasing age, it can also affect younger adults and adolescents.
During pregnancy, the expectant mother's metabolism changes. Among other things, pregnancy hormones can cause the effect of insulin to decrease. Normally, the pancreas can compensate for this by increasing insulin production.
If this adjustment is insufficient, blood sugar levels can rise. If such a disorder of glucose metabolism is identified for the first time during pregnancy, it is referred to as gestational diabetes.
After birth, blood sugar levels often return to normal. However, prior gestational diabetes is associated with an increased future risk for type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes in particular often develops slowly. Initially, elevated blood sugar levels do not always cause clear symptoms. As a result, the disease can exist for a long time before it is detected.
Possible signs can be increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or reduced performance. Visual disturbances, an increased susceptibility to infections, or poorly healing wounds can also occur.
However, such complaints are not specific to diabetes and can have many other causes. Whether diabetes is actually present can only be determined through appropriate medical examinations.
If blood sugar levels remain elevated for a long time, blood vessels and nerves can be damaged. This can affect various areas of the body, such as the heart and circulatory system, kidneys, eyes, or nerves.
Circulatory disorders and impaired wound healing can also occur in connection with diabetes. Professional treatment and regular medical check-ups are therefore important.
People with diabetes generally do not need a special "diabetic diet." Instead, the focus is on a balanced and varied diet, as is generally recommended for the general population.
For carbohydrate-containing foods, both the quantity and the choice of food play a role. Vegetables, whole-grain products, legumes, fruits, as well as nuts and seeds can be part of a balanced diet and provide fiber, among other things.
On the other hand, sugary drinks, sweets, and highly processed foods should only be consumed in limited quantities. If diabetes is present, the diet should be individually tailored to the personal situation and the respective therapy.
Not all risk factors for type 2 diabetes can be changed. These include, for example, age and genetic predisposition. Other factors, however, can be influenced.
Regular physical activity can, among other things, improve the body's cells' sensitivity to insulin. A balanced diet, sufficient exercise, not smoking, and a healthy body weight are part of a health-conscious lifestyle. If obesity is present, weight reduction can also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Precisely because type 2 diabetes can develop over a long period without clear symptoms, monitoring blood sugar can be sensible if there is an increased risk. Whether and at what intervals an examination is indicated should be discussed individually with a medical professional.
Important: Noticeable symptoms or blood sugar values should be checked medically. A diagnosis cannot be made solely based on individual symptoms.
Note: This article serves as general information and does not replace a medical diagnosis or individual consultation. For questions about diabetes, unusual blood sugar levels, or existing illnesses, please contact a medical professional.
Share
Share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, make announcements, or welcome customers to your store.
Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
Medicinal mushrooms with tradition
