Diabetes, also known medically as diabetes mellitus, is a metabolic disorder that leads to permanently elevated blood sugar levels. It is caused by an impairment in how the body metabolises sugar.
There are three different types:
- Diabetes type 1: This is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s defence system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body can no longer produce its own insulin. This form of diabetes can occur at any age. It requires lifelong treatment with externally administered insulin.
- Diabetes type 2: This form usually develops over a longer time period. It is often associated with an unhealthy lifestyle (overweight, not enough physical activity). Although the pancreas continues to produce insulin, the body’s cells no longer respond to it effectively. Type 2 diabetes mellitus can also occur at any age and increasingly affects children and adolescents as well. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and focuses primarily on lifestyle changes, particularly in terms of diet and physical activity. Depending on how the disease progresses, additional medications (oral antidiabetic drugs) or insulin may be used.
- Gestational diabetes (gestational diabetes)This form occurs in some women during pregnancy and is triggered by hormonal changes. It typically presents no symptoms, but can be very dangerous for the mother and child. In most cases, gestational diabetes disappears after the baby is born.
Early and consistent treatment of diabetes is very important, especially to prevent long-term complications. If it is left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to various complications, such as eye disorders (e.g. retinal damage), kidney disease, cardiovascular problems and chronic or slow-healing wounds.
Depending on the type and course of the disease, the severity of the diabetes symptoms can vary. Some symptoms appear suddenly and are easily noticeable (often with type 1 diabetes). Others develop slowly and inconspicuously (frequently with type 2 or gestational diabetes).
Possible indications of diabetes include severe thirst and frequent urination, fatigue, listlessness, nausea, dizziness, worsening eyesight, dry skin, slow wound healing, increased infections (e.g. urinary tract infections, fungal infections) and many others.
Gestational diabetes often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why a specific glucose tolerance test is carried out during pregnancy to detect it.
More information on diabetes is available at gesundheit.gv.at