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Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the fundamentals of diabetes is crucial for appreciating the significance of innovations in its management. This article provides a comprehensive overview of diabetes, including its types, symptoms, and current management strategies. It sets the stage for subsequent discussions on how AI and machine learning can revolutionise diabetes care.
Diabetes is a condition that impairs the body’s ability to process blood glucose, commonly known as blood sugar. Without proper management, diabetes can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which can cause severe health issues.
Living organisms require energy to power their systems. Energy is needed for tasks ranging from digestion and absorption to exercise, work, and play. Even activities as simple as sleeping require energy. This energy comes from the food we eat, which provides a form of sugar known as glucose. Glucose is the most crucial element needed in the primary health system, powering the cells in our body.
Glucose mainly comes from carbohydrate-rich foods like bread and potatoes. As we consume food, it travels down our esophagus into our stomach. While it is getting digested, stomach acids and enzymes break down the carbohydrates to make glucose. This glucose then gets absorbed into our intestines and passes into our blood to reach our cells, where it is known as blood sugar.
Now, glucose can’t directly reach our cells through blood. It needs a hormone called insulin, produced by the pancreas. Insulin acts as a key, unlocking muscle, fat, and liver cells so glucose can enter. The blood sugar level is monitored every few seconds by beta cells in the pancreas. When we eat carbohydrate-rich food, blood sugar rises, prompting the beta cells to release insulin into the bloodstream.
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.
Managing diabetes involves a combination of lifestyle changes, monitoring, and medication.
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in diabetes management, particularly with the integration of technology.
Understanding the basics of diabetes is essential for appreciating the transformative potential of AI and machine learning in this field. By building on the foundation of traditional diabetes management strategies, AI and ML can offer more personalised and precise care, improving the quality of life for millions of people living with diabetes.
In the next article, Artificial Pancreas and Insulin Delivery Systems, we will explore the latest advancements in insulin delivery technologies, including the development and implementation of artificial pancreas systems. Stay tuned to learn more about how these innovations are changing the landscape of diabetes care.