"Diabetic" refers to someone who has diabetes, a chronic medical condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't effectively use the insulin it does produce. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes:
1. Type 1 Diabetes: The body does not produce insulin at all. This type usually starts in childhood or young adulthood and requires insulin therapy for life.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: The body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells don't use insulin effectively. This type is more common and often develops in adults, though it's increasingly seen in children and adolescents. It can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, insulin.
There’s also gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth but increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Managing diabetes typically involves monitoring blood sugar levels, following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and in some cases, taking medication or insulin.
