Diabetes , also known as diabetes mellitus , is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by a high blood glucose level . The disease develops when the body does not produce enough insulin, or cannot use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells take up glucose and convert it into energy. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications.
Types of diabetes and how they develop
There are several types of diabetes, which develop for different reasons. The table below summarises the most common types and their characteristics:
| Type | Cause | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 diabetes | The immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells | Develops in childhood or at a young age, with a complete lack of insulin |
| Type 2 diabetes | The effect of insulin decreases, or not enough insulin is produced | Typical in adulthood, often lifestyle-related |
| Gestational diabetes | Insulin sensitivity decreases because of hormonal changes | Usually appears during pregnancy, but increases the risk of later type 2 diabetes |
| Prediabetes | The blood glucose level is between normal and diabetic values | A high risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes |
What is blood glucose, and how does it work?
Blood glucose or glucose is the body's main source of energy, obtained from the food we eat. Glucose circulates in the bloodstream and, with the help of insulin, enters the cells where it is converted into energy.
How blood glucose is regulated
After eating: the blood glucose level rises and the pancreas releases insulin , which helps the cells take up glucose.
On an empty stomach: the blood glucose level falls, and the body produces the hormone glucagon , which releases glucose stored in the liver.
With diabetes: because insulin is missing or ineffective, glucose does not enter the cells and stays high in the blood.
What is insulin, and why does it matter?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Its job is to help glucose enter the cells, lowering the blood glucose level.
In type 1 diabetes: the body produces no insulin at all, so insulin replacement is needed.
In type 2 diabetes: insulin sensitivity decreases, so the cells do not respond to it properly.
Complications of diabetes
With untreated diabetes, serious complications can develop in the long term, affecting the whole body:
| Complication | Effect |
| Cardiovascular disease | Increases the risk of heart attack and stroke |
| Nerve damage (neuropathy) | Numbness in the feet, pain and ulcers |
| Kidney disease (nephropathy) | Damage to the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure |
| Eye problems (retinopathy) | Deteriorating vision, blindness |
| Foot infections | Slow-healing wounds, a risk of amputation |
How can CGM sensors (continuous glucose monitoring) help with prevention and treatment?
A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor is a modern technology that measures blood glucose continuously and helps people with diabetes manage their condition better.
The benefits of CGM:
- Continuous data collection: no need to prick your finger several times a day, because the sensor measures glucose 24/7.
- Warns you in time: it alerts you when your glucose level is too low or too high.
- Helps with insulin dosing: it is easier to follow how the body responds to insulin and to meals.
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Reduces the risk of complications: more accurate glucose control prevents long-term complications.
Modern
Why is it worth using a CGM?
The LinX CGM sensor is an effective tool that can help people with diabetes stabilise their blood glucose level and protect their health. It gives a complete picture of your condition, because it measures glucose continuously, whereas with finger pricking you only see your values 4-5 times a day, and during sleep you have no idea at all what range your glucose was in overnight.