Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make. Untreated high blood sugar from diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs.
Symptoms
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• weight loss
• frequent urination
• blurry vision
• irritability
• extreme fatigue
• sores that don’t heal
• Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections
When you need medical advice
If you suspect, you or your child may have diabetes.
If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes.
Risk Factors
Family history – If a parent or sibling have diabetes
Environmental factors such as exposure to some viral illness
Geography- Some countries such as Finland and Sweden have higher risk of diabetes
Over weight
Inactivity
High blood pressure
Prevention
• Consume healthy food
• Engage in more physical activities
• Avoid your body getting overweight