Why and how do you get diebetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, get from the blood into the cells for energy. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can get too high.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough insulin. Insulin resistance means that the cells in the body don't respond to insulin as well as they should. This can cause blood sugar levels to rise.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

* Being overweight or obese

* Having a family history of diabetes

* Being physically inactive

* Having high blood pressure

* Having high cholesterol

* Having a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)

* Being of certain ethnicities, such as African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, or Asian American

How to prevent type 2 diabetes

There is no sure way to prevent type 2 diabetes, but you can reduce your risk by:

* Eating a healthy diet

* Getting regular exercise

* Losing weight if you are overweight or obese

* Managing your blood pressure

* Managing your cholesterol

* Quitting smoking

* Limiting alcohol intake

* Getting enough sleep

If you have diabetes, it is important to manage your blood sugar levels to prevent serious complications, such as:

* Heart disease

* Stroke

* Kidney disease

* Blindness

* Nerve damage

* Amputation

Treatment for diabetes includes:

* Medications to lower blood sugar levels

* Insulin therapy

* Diet

* Exercise