The first type is known as an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body and kills the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This type of diabetes generally develops in childhood.
The second type is the most common, in which the body produces little insulin, which may not perform its role in absorbing glucose from the body’s cells. This condition generally develops with age and is related to lifestyle.
It is important to know how diabetes can appear on the body, as individuals often develop this chronic condition without showing early symptoms.
Studies have shown that skin problems are often the first visible signs of diabetes.
Pharmacist Bruce Green said that the skin of a diabetic may look similar to the skin of an elderly person. He explained that the process of changing the skin is a process called glycation, which is a non-enzymatic process responsible for many large and small vascular complications in diabetes, and has a role in some diseases of aging.
He pointed out that skin problems are more common among people with diabetes due to poor blood circulation and loss of sensitivity in the nerves.
Green revealed six major warning signs appearing on the skin that you should be aware of:
1. Yellow or brown spots or bumps
2. A dark area of skin that feels velvety, especially around the neck and armpits
3. Thick, hard skin patches, especially on the fingers and toes
4. Sudden appearance of pimples
5. Skin spots – small, barely noticeable indentations on the skin
6. Dry and itchy skin, especially on the arms, legs, elbows and feet
However, these are not the only symptoms you should be aware of, as the main symptoms of diabetes include feeling very thirsty, or urinating more than usual, especially at night.
Extreme fatigue throughout the day, unintended weight loss, itching around the genitals, frequent bouts of thrush, and vision changes are the main warning symptoms of the disease.
Source: The Sun
#skin #signs #diabetes
How does gestational diabetes affect a woman’s risk of developing diabetes later in life?
**Interview with Dr. Jane Smith, Endocrinologist**
**Date: May 20, 2024**
**Location: CDC Diabetes Awareness Event**
**Editor:** Dr. Smith, thank you for joining us today to talk about diabetes. Can you explain the differences between the three main types of diabetes, particularly type 1 and type 2?
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you for having me! Absolutely, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions. Type 1 diabetes is primarily an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This means individuals with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin at all, which is why they need to manage their blood sugar levels with insulin therapy from a young age.
**Editor:** And what about type 2 diabetes? How does that differ?
**Dr. Smith:** Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It often develops later in life and is characterized by insulin resistance. In this case, the pancreas still produces insulin, but the body doesn’t respond to it effectively. Over time, the insulin production may decrease as well. Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity play a significant role in its development.
**Editor:** I understand you mentioned gestational diabetes earlier. Can you briefly touch upon that?
**Dr. Smith:** Certainly! Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands. It can pose risks to both the mother and baby, but it typically resolves after childbirth. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
**Editor:** Thank you for clarifying that, Dr. Smith. It’s vital information for our audience. What can people do to prevent type 2 diabetes?
**Dr. Smith:** Prevention is key! Individuals can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight through diet and regular physical activity. Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly can also help catch any potential issues early. Education and awareness are vital, and initiatives like those from the CDC play a significant role in this effort.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Smith, for sharing your expertise on diabetes. It’s essential for our community to understand these conditions.
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you for having me! It’s important we continue to have these conversations.
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**End of Interview**
For more information, visit the CDC’s page on diabetes [here](https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/index.html).
