An estimated 5.6 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, according to NHS England figures, and rates are rising.

The untimely death of US actress Michelle Trachtenberg on February 26 has thrown a spotlight on the life-threatening complications associated with diabetes, a condition increasingly prevalent in the UK. Found unconscious in her New York apartment, medical investigations later revealed that Trachtenberg succumbed to complications from diabetes, raising urgent questions about the risks and realities of this chronic condition.

What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, refers to a group of diseases that result in high blood sugar levels. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, a hormone that facilitates the transport of glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. However, when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin or becomes resistant to its effects, glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to serious health issues.

There are primarily two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the complete lack of insulin production. This autoimmune condition arises when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. While type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood, it can develop at any age. Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a leading endocrinologist at the Royal London Hospital, explains, “The exact cause of type 1 diabetes remains largely unknown, but genetic predisposition and potential viral triggers are thought to play a role.”

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, which comprises over 90 percent of diabetes cases in the UK, develops when the body does not produce adequate insulin or when the insulin produced is ineffective. This form is typically associated with lifestyle factors and is increasingly being diagnosed in children. “Obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary choices significantly contribute to type 2 diabetes prevalence,” states Dr. Nathan Green, a nutritionist and public health expert. “Efforts towards education and prevention are crucial in addressing this growing issue.”

How do people develop diabetes?

While type 1 diabetes has a strong genetic component, environmental factors may also contribute. Conversely, type 2 diabetes has multiple risk factors, including:

• Obesity or overweight status
• Inactivity and sedentary behavior
• Unhealthy dietary habits
• Family history of diabetes
• Age and ethnic background

Dr. Green adds, “The rise in childhood obesity has led to a worrying trend of type 2 diabetes being diagnosed at younger ages, often as a direct consequence of lifestyle choices.”

What are the complications you can get from diabetes?

Living with diabetes increases the likelihood of serious complications, affecting various systems in the body:

• Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease and stroke
• Nerve damage (neuropathy), potentially leading to ulcers or infections
• Eye complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma
• Kidney diseases, potentially resulting in kidney failure
• Increased susceptibility to infections, particularly gum disease

High blood sugar levels can also provoke severe conditions like hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), both of which pose an immediate threat to life. “Educating patients about these risks and emphasizing the importance of regular blood sugar monitoring is vital for prevention,” notes Dr. Jenkins.

What can you do to prevent diabetes?

While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented or cured, management strategies predominantly involve insulin therapy, either via injections or pumps. In addition, individuals may be prescribed drugs like metformin if insulin resistance arises.

Type 2 diabetes, however, presents opportunities for prevention. Recent studies indicate that lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by nearly 50 percent. Key preventive measures include:

• Adopting a balanced, healthy diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight and waist circumference

“Through effective diet and exercise, many individuals can not only prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes but can also achieve remission,” states Dr. Green. “The potential for reversing diabetes through lifestyle changes is an empowering prospect for many.”

Despite the challenges posed by diabetes, awareness and education are pivotal. As the case of Michelle Trachtenberg emphasizes, this chronic condition demands attention and proactive management. The medical community, public health advocates, and individuals have a shared responsibility to engage in ongoing dialogues about prevention, management, and the implications of diabetes. With early intervention and commitment to healthy lifestyles, the outlook for those at risk of or living with diabetes can be transformed.

Source: inews.co.uk