Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when your blood sugar(glucose) is too high. It develops when your pancreas cannot make enough insulin or any at all or when your body isn’t responding to insulin appropriately.
Its affects people of all ages; it can happen in infants, adults, middle-aged person even older people. Most forms of diabetes are lifelong and can be managed by a healthy lifestyle and proper medication.
The other names for diabetes are diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus, but they are different in specific ways; they share the same name because of the condition in which a person feels high thirst and constantly needs to pee.
Untreated high blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys and other organs. However, proper knowledge and treatment can help you protect your health.
Types Of Diabetes
There are mainly three types of diabetes:
1- Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the pancreas, where insulin is made. It usually develops in childhood and adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy.
2- Type 2 Diabetes
The most common type of diabetes is when the body becomes resistant to insulin, and sugar builds up in your blood. It often develops when you sit for long hours, or there is tiny movement in your body, obesity, or sometimes it can be genetic.
3- Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy. The placenta produces insulin block hormones during gestation, increasing blood sugar levels. This condition occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to compensate for the hormonal changes, resulting in gestational.
Some other forms of diabetes are:
– Prediabetes
This diabetic form is the starting phase of diabetes that can be a potential warning for Type 2 in which normal blood sugar levels are higher than regular blood sugar.Â
– MODY Diabetes
Maturity onset of the young(MODY) is a rare form of diabetes caused by a single gene mutation. It generally develops before the age of 25 and is misdiagnosed in type 1 and type 2 diabetes forms. There are typically 10 types of MODY, which commonly runs in the family through generations.
– LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)
Lada is a slow-progressing form of type 1 that occurs from an autoimmune reaction on insulin-producing cells. It usually develops in adulthood and is often misdiagnosed as Type 2.
Symptoms Of Diabetes
Increased blood sugar levels cause, symptoms. Some of the general symptoms are:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Rapid weight loss
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing wounds
- Frequent infections
- Dry, itchy and flaky skin
- Mood swing & Irritation
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Symptoms in men
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased muscle mass
- Low testosterone levels
- Genital thrush
Symptoms in women
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Urinary tract infections (UTI’s)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)
- Increased risk of pregnancy complications
Causes Of Diabetes
-Type 1
| Causes | Description |
| Autoimmune Reaction | The immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production |
| Genetic Factors | Family history may increase the risk of Type 1 |
| Environmental Triggers | Viral infections or other unknown factors may trigger the autoimmune response. |
-Type 2
| Causes | Description |
| Insulin Resistance | Body cells become resistant to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels |
| Obesity And Physical Inactivity | Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, contributes to insulin resistance |
| Genetic Factors | Family history enhances the chances of getting type 2 |
-Gestational Diabetes
| Causes | Description |
| Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy | Placental hormone causes insulin resistance, leading to temporary high blood sugar levels |
| Obesity And Lifestyle Factors | Excess weight and lack of physical activity increase risk |
| Family History | A history of diabetes in close relatives can contribute to gestational. |
Causes Of Other Diabetes Forms Are
| Types | Causes | Description |
| LADA | Autoimmune attack on beta cells | Similar to type 1 but develops slowly in adults |
| MODY | Genetic mutation | A rare form of diabetes caused by inherited genetic mutations |
Complications related to diabetes
1. Short-Term (Acute) Complications
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Insulin decreases, leading to high blood sugar levels, which can be life-threatening and very common in type 2.
- Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): High blood sugar levels and loss of water result in damaged organs, common in type 2.
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Dizziness, confusion, and unconsciousness due to excess insulin or missed meals.
2. Long-Term (Chronic) Complications
- Heart Disease & Stroke: High blood sugar affects heart efficiency by damaging blood vessels, increasing heart attack and stroke risk.
- Diabetic Neuropathy: Tingling, numbness, and pain in hands and feet caused by damaged nerve.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Eye damage leading to vision loss or blindness.
- Diabetic Nephropathy: Kidney damage that may lead to kidney failure.
- Diabetic Foot Issues: Poor circulation and nerve damage increase infection risk, possibly leading to amputations.
- Slow Wound Healing & Infections: High blood sugar weakens the immune system.
- Gastroparesis: Delayed stomach emptying, causing bloating and nausea.
- Mental Health Issues: Increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Diagnosis of Diabetes
It is diagnosed through various blood tests that measure blood sugar levels.
There are specific tests that are done to check it to keep an inclusive check on the patient that include ranges of tests and require proper treatment and diagnosis that need to be done to stay in Check sugar levelsÂ
1- Standard Diagnosis Test
| Test | Purpose | Criteria |
| Fasting Blood Sugar Test | Measure blood sugar after 8-9 hours of fasting | Greater than or equal to 126 mg per deciliter (7.0 millimoles per litre). |
| Random Blood Sugar Test | Measure blood sugar at any time of the day | Greater than or equal to 200 mg per deciliter (11.1 millimoles per litre) with symptoms. |
| Oral Glucose Tolerance Test | Measure blood sugar 2 hours after drinking a glucose solution | Greater than or equal to 200 mg per deciliter (11.1 millimoles per litre) |
| Glycated Haemoglobin Test(Hba1c) | Measure average blood sugar over 2-3 months | Greater than or equal to 6.5 per cent (48 millimoles per mole) |
2- Pre-Diabetes Ranges
Impaired glucose regulation is another name for prediabetes, in which sugar levels increase higher than usual but not enough to diagnose type 2. The key indicators of prediabetes include fasting blood sugar levels between 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L), a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) result of 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L), and HbA1c levels ranging from 5.7% to 6.4% (39–47 mmol/mol). Early identification of these symptoms and a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, and managing weight can help reverse or delay the onset of Type 2.
3- Additional Tests For Exceptional Cases
- C-Peptide Test: Measures insulin production levels to distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2, helping assess pancreatic function.
- Autoantibody Tests: Detect specific antibodies associated with Type 1 and Latent Autoimmune in Adults (LADA) for accurate diagnosis.
- Ketone Test: Identifying ketones in blood or urine is crucial for detecting diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Type 1 and monitoring metabolic health.
Diabetes In Pregnancy And Its Effects On Baby
Diabetes in pregnancy is known as gestational and can affect mother and baby both.
How It Happens:
- Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, there are a lot of hormonal changes in the body, due to which the placental hormone, also known as the pregnancy hormone, resists insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
- Increased Blood Sugar Needs: During pregnancy, due to changes in the body, the body requires more insulin, but the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin as needed by the body.
- Pre-existing Risk Factors: A family history of its, PCOS, obesity, or previous gestational enhances the further risk of diabetes.
Effects on Mother & Baby:
– On Mother:
- Higher risk of Type 2 later in life.
- Increased risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure & complications).
- Possible need for C-section due to larger baby size (macrosomia).
– On Baby:
- Excessive birth weight (macrosomia) leads to delivery complications.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) after birth.
- Higher risk of obesity & diabetes later in life.
- Breathing difficulties in newborns.
Can diabetes be reversed?
It can be reversed if it is detected in the early stage, especially Type 2. In the early stage, if through regular checks you feel your sugar levels are higher but not in a stage that it can be diagnosed as diabetes, then without the need for medication and maintaining a healthy routine, you can reverse the signs of diabetes.
- Weight Loss: Losing weight helps lose extra fat, a barrier to insulin production. Maintaining a healthy weight and losing the extra fat, especially around the abdomen, can help reverse your diabetes.
- Healthy Diet: A balanced meal containing high fibre, low carbs, grains, and free of fats and processed foods helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Regular Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity makes the body lose faster and promotes glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
- Intermittent Fasting: According to some research, intermittent fasting is beneficial in maintaining weight and healthy blood sugar levels.
- Stress Management & Sleep: Reducing stress and improving sleep quality contribute to better blood sugar control.
However, type 1 is an autoimmune condition and is irreversible in which insulin production is very minimal or not at all produced by the body. In type 2, even if it is reversed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular monitoring is necessary to prevent relapse.
Food to be avoided by diabetes patients
Food that the diabetes patient should avoid to avoid getting it serious, prevent further complications, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels:
1. High-Carb & Sugary Foods:
- Sugary drinks (soda, fruit juices, energy drinks)
- Refined grains (white bread, white rice, pasta)
- Bakery items (cakes, cookies, pastries)
- Candy & chocolates (especially milk chocolate and high-sugar varieties)
2. High-Glycemic Fruits & Vegetables:
- Fruit juices & dried fruits (raisins, dates, mangoes)
- Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, sweetened canned vegetables)
3. Processed And Packaged Food
- Fried foods (french fries, fried chicken, deep-fried snacks)
- Processed meats (sausages, bacon, hot dogs)
- Fast food & junk food (burgers, pizzas, chips)
- Full-fat dairy products (cream, full-fat cheese, flavoured yoghurt)
4. High-Sodium & Preservative Foods:
- Canned soups & processed snacks (chips, salted nuts)
- Pickles & high-sodium condiments (soy sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce)
5. Alcohol & Sweetened Beverages:
- Beer & sugary cocktails
- Sweetened teas & flavoured coffee drinks
6. Artificial & Hidden Sugars:
- Honey, agave syrup, and artificial sweeteners in excess
- Flavored and sweetened yogurt
Conclusion
Diabetes is a chronic ailment affecting millions of people across the globe, and it requires lifelong management. Generally, there are two types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is more serious than Type 2 and requires insulin therapy, whereas Type 2 two can be reversed with a healthy lifestyle and weight management. It is incurable, but early detection and proper treatment can help reverse the symptoms and enhance your life quality. If you are at risk of diabetes, then consult your doctor, have a blood sugar checkup, and follow your doctor advice.
Most asked question
1- Why does a diabetes patient take insulin?
Diabetes patients take insulin because either their bodies are not able to produce enough insulin as needed or not able to use it effectively. Insulin is essential for regulating blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy.
2- What does diabetes do to the body?
It’s affects the body in various ways by increasing blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels, nerves, and other organs over time. It affects the heart and raises the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, loss of eyesight, and nerve damage, and reduces healing power, resulting in severe complications if not managed properly.
3- Where does diabetes come from?
It can be genetic or can occur due to lifestyle and environmental factors. In type 1 , the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 is generally caused by insulin resistance, which can be caused by obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, or genetics. Gestational occurs due to hormonal changes where the placenta blocks insulin production.
4- What is the difference between diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus?
| Form | Cause | Symptoms |
| Mellitus | Caused by insulin deficiency | High blood sugar, fatigue, frequent urination |
| Insipidus | Caused by deficiency of ADH(antidiuretic hormone) | Excessive urination, extreme thirst |
5- Is diabetes genetic?
 Yes, It has a genetic component, but its inheritance depends on the type:
- Type 1 Diabetes – Has a strong genetic predisposition, but environmental factors also influence it. It is linked to autoimmune responses and specific genes, such as HLA(human leukocyte antigens).
- Type 2 Diabetes – Has a stronger hereditary link, meaning if a parent or sibling has it, the risk is higher. However, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and obesity play a significant role in its development.
6 – Which form of diabetes is more dangerous?
Both Type 1 and Type 2 can be dangerous if not managed properly, but their risks differ:
- Type 1 is considered more dangerous because of its lifelong dependency on insulin. Lack of insulin in the body raises the level of blood sugar levels, leading to diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) and is very threatening to life.
- Type 2 develops at a slow rate but can be managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle. But if it is not taken care of properly, then it can result in severe complications like heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and blurry vision.
Concisely, Type 1 is more serious and has more immediate risk, whereas Type 2 can be managed, but if neglected, it can cause long-term health complications.
7- Are sugar and diabetes are same?
No,diabetes and sugar are not the same. In diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin in the proper amounts required by the body, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Sugar (glucose) is a carbohydrate the body uses to break down and produce energy.
