241 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This leads to chronic and progressive damage to blood vessels throughout the body. There are two main types: type 1 diabetes includes almost all cases caused by autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic β cells; type 2 diabetes results from defective insulin production, resistance to insulin action in peripheral tissues, or a combination of both. - type 2 diabetes; type 2 diabetes mellitus Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. It often causes no symptoms until the condition is already advanced, and may therefore remain undiagnosed for years. In some cases, it is detected incidentally during routine blood tests or consultations for other medical issues. Sustained hyperglycaemia progressively damages blood vessels throughout the body, leading to complications that can affect the retina, kidneys, nerves, heart, and more. As a result, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of developing kidney disease, cardiovascular conditions, stroke, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease. The latter can lead to ulcers, for example on the legs, which are particularly difficult to heal. - gestational diabetes; gestational diabetes mellitus Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes mellitus that develops during pregnancy and poses risks for both mother and baby. It is usually first detected during pregnancy as a state of glucose intolerance in women with no previous diagnosis of diabetes. According to the “World Health Organization” (WHO), it is defined as “hyperglycaemia first detected at any time during pregnancy and assumed to be induced by pregnancy.” It generally appears around the 20th week of gestation. To diagnose it, screening tests are usually performed between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, gestational diabetes may occur in more than one pregnancy. Blood glucose levels usually return to normal soon after delivery. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. - hyperglycaemia or hyperglycemia Hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar, refers to elevated levels of glucose in the blood. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively (insulin resistance). - insulin resistance; peripheral insulin resistance; insulin sensitivity A clinical condition in which the cells of peripheral tissues such as muscle, fat, or liver do not respond properly to insulin. Under normal circumstances, when insulin is present in the bloodstream, these tissues are sensitive to it, allowing glucose to enter their cells. When, despite the presence of insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells, the condition is known as insulin resistance. In response, the pancreas may increase its insulin production in an attempt to help glucose enter the cells. This can lead to the paradoxical situation of having both hyperglycaemia and elevated insulin levels at the same time. - glycated haemoglobin or glycosylated haemoglobin Once diabetes mellitus has been diagnosed, certain laboratory parameters are useful in assessing how well treatment is working and whether there are any complications due to prolonged hyperglycaemia. Currently, the most relevant indicators are glycated
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