Diabetes
What you need to know about Diabetes: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels due to problems with insulin production or action. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which normally regulates blood sugar levels. When this process is disrupted, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to various health complications.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes: previously known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. This type of diabetes develops when the bodys own immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. This process is called an autoimmune reaction. As a result, the body can no longer produce enough insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise dangerously high. Type 1 diabetes typically occurs in children and young adults but may occur at any age. Because the body cannot make insulin, people with type 1 diabetes need lifelong insulin therapy to control their blood sugar.
Type 2 diabetes: formerly called adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, happens when the body still produces insulin, but the cells no longer respond to it properly. This is called insulin resistance. Over time, the pancreas may also struggle to produce enough insulin to keep up, leading to high blood sugar levels.Type 2 diabetes is more common in people over 30 who are overweight or obese. However, due to rising obesity rates, it is now increasingly seen in younger people, including teenagers and children. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes, but many people eventually need medication or insulin.
Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy. It is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or by an insufficient amount of insulin.While it usually goes away after childbirth, women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Children whose mothers had gestational diabetes have a greater chance of developing diabetes later in life.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA): sometimes called type 1.5 diabetes, shares characteristics of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is an autoimmune condition like type 1 but develops more slowly, often in adulthood. At first, it may look like type 2 diabetes, but over time, the body stops making enough insulin, requiring insulin therapy.
Prediabetes: Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It is a warning sign that a person is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, being active, and losing weight can help prevent or delay diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes can vary, but common signs include:
Feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot (polydipsia)
Frequent urination (polyuria)
Unexplained weight loss (people with diabetes are unable to absorb and use the energy from sugar in the blood)
Extreme hunger
Fatigue and weakness
Blurred vision
Slow-healing cuts or infections
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
In type 1 diabetes, symptoms develop quickly, often within weeks. In type 2 diabetes, symptoms can appear gradually and may go unnoticed for years.
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Diabetes can be diagnosed by a health care provider based on a person’s symptoms and a blood test.
Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours. A reading of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher indicates diabetes.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar 2 hours after drinking a glucose solution. A result of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher confirms diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test: Reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. A result of 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.
Random Blood Sugar Test: If a blood sugar reading is 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher at any time, and the person has symptoms, diabetes is likely.
If you have symptoms or risk factors for diabetes, it is important to see a doctor for early diagnosis and management. Keeping blood sugar under control helps prevent complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage, and vision loss.
How is Diabetes Treated?
Managing diabetes requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring. The goal is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible to prevent complications.
Lifestyle Changes: The Foundation of Diabetes Treatment
One of the most important ways to manage diabetes especially type 2 is by making healthy lifestyle choices.
Healthy Eating: Since carbohydrates directly affect blood sugar levels, counting carbs and choosing nutrient-rich foods are key parts of diabetes management. A diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats can help keep blood sugar steady.
Physical Activity: Exercise is essential because active muscles use glucose more efficiently than inactive ones. Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
For many people with type 2 diabetes, these lifestyle changes alone can significantly improve blood sugar control. However, when diet and exercise are not enough, medications may be needed.
Medications for Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin Therapy
In type 1 diabetes, the bodys insulin-producing cells are destroyed by the immune system, meaning insulin therapy is required for survival. There are different ways to take insulin:
Syringes: The traditional way to inject insulin.
Insulin Pens: A more convenient option, offering pre-measured doses.
Insulin Pumps: A small device that delivers insulin continuously throughout the day.
The best insulin delivery method depends on the individual and should be decided together with the diabetes care team.
Type 2 Diabetes: Medication Options
For people with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes are the first and most important step. However, if blood sugar levels remain high, medications may be needed. The choice of medication depends on the individuals specific needs and what is contributing to their diabetes. Some common medications include:
Metformin: Often the first-line medication, it helps the body use insulin more effectively.
SGLT2 Inhibitors: Help remove excess glucose through urine.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Encourage insulin release and slow digestion to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Insulin Therapy: Some people with type 2 diabetes may eventually need insulin if other medications are not enough.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels: How Do You Know You are on Track?
If you have diabetes, it is important to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels to ensure they are under control. There are several ways to do this:
At-Home Monitoring
Glucometer (Blood Glucose Meter) A small device that tests blood sugar using a finger-prick blood sample. How often you should check depends on your diabetes type and treatment plan, ranging from a few times per week to 4-6 times a day.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): A sensor placed under the skin measures blood sugar levels in real-time and sends the data to a smartphone or insulin pump. CGM allows for more detailed glucose tracking without the need for frequent finger pricks.
Lab Testing
HbA1c Test (Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test): This blood test, done at least every 3 months, reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past few months. It helps assess how well your diabetes is being managed.
No matter which monitoring method you use, it is important to discuss your target blood glucose and HbA1c levels with your diabetes care team. They can also guide you on how often to check your blood sugar and what steps to take if levels are too high or too low.
By combining lifestyle changes, medication (if needed), and regular monitoring, people with diabetes can live healthy and active lives. If you have any concerns about managing diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider to find the best plan for you.
Diabetes Complications: What You Need to Know
People with diabetes are at higher risk for certain health problems, called complications. This happens because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, affecting different parts of the body. The good news is that managing your diabetes well can help prevent or delay these complications.
What Are the Possible Complications?
1. Eye Problems (Diabetic Retinopathy)
2. Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy)
3. Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
4. Heart Disease and Stroke
Diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes because it can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol problems, which affect blood circulation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help reduce this risk.
How Can You Prevent These Complications?
The key to preventing complications is keeping your blood sugar as close to normal as possible.
Here are some important steps:
Monitor your blood sugar regularly and follow your diabetes care plan.
Get your urine tested at least once a year to check for early signs of kidney disease (measuring microalbumin levels).
Have your blood pressure checked at every doctors visit to ensure it is in a healthy range.
Check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels at least once a year to lower your risk of heart disease.
Get regular eye exams to detect any early signs of eye disease.
Have a foot exam at least once a year, including a simple nerve function test (monofilament test), to check for signs of neuropathy.
Taking these steps, along with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper medication use, can help protect your health and lower your risk of complications.
If you have any concerns about your diabetes management, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you create a plan to stay as healthy as possible.