Diabetes - Infographic

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is commonly referred as diabetes. Diabetes is a group of metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce or utilize insulin.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps maintain normal blood sugar (blood glucose) level. Sometimes the body doesn't produce enough insulin or the insulin doesn't work the way it should. Increase in the amount of glucose in the blood leads to a condition called hyperglycemia.

Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes are the three types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adult and occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, or the body cells are insensitive to the insulin. Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy.

Uncontrolled high blood sugar level leads to diabetic related complication such as heart disease, kidney failure, vision problem, foot problems, nerve damage, anxiety and erectile dysfunction.

Diabetes can be prevented by making few lifestyle changes like regular physical activity, maintaining ideal body weight, following a heart- healthy diet. Avoid processed meat, sugary drinks.