Diabetes how does it occur

Learn more. My diagnosis was a wake-up call. It was time to take care of my health. Learn more about its symptoms, causes, and treatment. I learned that the best type 2 diabetes diet is the one that works for you. Members of the T2D Healthline community understand well how managing diabetes can feel overwhelming. These 6 tips can help make it easier. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Causes. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Insulin Family history Pregnancy Age Obesity Poor diet Lack of exercise Hormonal conditions Diabetes risk factors Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs because the body is unable to use blood sugar glucose properly.

Genes and family history. Gestational diabetes. Poor diet. Lack of exercise. Hormonal conditions. Read this next.

Damage to the nerves related to digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. For men, it may lead to erectile dysfunction. Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, untreated or uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause problems for you and your baby.

Complications in your baby can occur as a result of gestational diabetes, including:. Complications in the mother also can occur as a result of gestational diabetes, including:. Type 1 diabetes can't be prevented. However, the same healthy lifestyle choices that help treat prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes can also help prevent them:. Lose excess pounds. Don't try to lose weight during pregnancy, however. Talk to your doctor about how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy.

To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem. Sometimes medication is an option as well.

Oral diabetes drugs such as metformin Glumetza, Fortamet, others may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes — but healthy lifestyle choices remain essential. Have your blood sugar checked at least once a year to check that you haven't developed type 2 diabetes.

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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar glucose. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Diabetes care at Mayo Clinic Diabetes and depression: Coping with the two conditions How diabetes affects your blood sugar.

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Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ferri FF. Diabetes mellitus. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa. Physical inactivity, race, and certain health problems such as high blood pressure also affect your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. You are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes or had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant. Learn more about risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

You can take steps to lower your chances of developing these diabetes-related health problems. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Diabetes Overview What is Diabetes?

In this section: What are the different types of diabetes? How common is diabetes? Who is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes?

What health problems can people with diabetes develop? Diabetes symptoms will vary depending on the type and cause but may include :. Diabetes can also lead to serious health complications without treatment, such as heart disease or stroke. There are currently no cures for diabetes. But there are many forms of treatment available, depending on its type.

The goal of treatment is to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range to manage symptoms and the risk of complications.

Treatment for common types of diabetes can include :. Some forms of diabetes could be reversible. For example, people with prediabetes can prevent type 2 diabetes and reduce their blood sugar levels by losing weight and regularly exercising. People with type 2 diabetes can enter remission. This is where blood sugar levels stay within the normal range for at least 6 months without medications. It is achievable through healthy lifestyle changes. However, other forms of diabetes are not reversible.

For example, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that requires daily insulin doses for life. Diabetes is a serious condition that requires medical attention. Anyone experiencing signs or symptoms of diabetes should visit a doctor for advice and treatment. The CDC recommends seeing a doctor for a blood test for the following symptoms:. Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels due to problems with insulin.