Overview
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are elevated because the body cannot regulate them properly. About 14% of adults have diabetes, and this number is steadily increasing.
Insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar, is produced by the pancreas. In diabetes, either insulin is not produced enough or it cannot be used effectively.
Types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes: Usually begins in childhood or adolescence. The pancreas does not produce insulin. Lifelong insulin therapy is required.
- Type 2 diabetes: The most common type (90%). Usually develops in adults with excess weight or sedentary lifestyle.
- Gestational diabetes: Occurs only during pregnancy.
Symptoms
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Frequent infections (urinary tract, skin fungal infections)
- Tingling in hands and feet
In type 2 diabetes symptoms develop slowly and may go unnoticed for years.
Causes
- Type 1: Autoimmune disease; the immune system destroys pancreatic cells. The exact cause is unknown.
- Type 2: Insulin resistance and gradual decline in pancreatic insulin production
- Gestational diabetes: Placental hormones causing insulin resistance
Risk Factors
For type 2 diabetes:
- Excess weight, obesity
- Being 45 or older
- Family history
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- History of gestational diabetes
- Ethnicity (Mediterranean, Middle Eastern)
Complications
- Cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke)
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Diabetic retinopathy (vision loss)
- Diabetic nephropathy (kidney failure)
- Diabetic foot (ulcers, infection, amputation)
- Skin infections
- Increased risk of dementia
- Depression
When to See a Doctor
- If you have symptoms of diabetes (frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss)
- If you are over 45 or in a risk group, have your blood sugar checked at least once a year
- If you have known diabetes, follow up regularly (HbA1c every 3 months)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnostic tests:
- Fasting blood glucose: 126 mg/dL or higher
- HbA1c: 6.5% or higher
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): 200 mg/dL or higher
Treatment:
- Type 1: Daily insulin injections or insulin pump
- Type 2: Lifestyle changes + oral antidiabetics (starting with metformin) + insulin if needed
- Gestational: Diet, exercise, insulin if needed
Daily blood sugar monitoring is critical for treatment success.
Prevention
Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly (150 minutes per week)
- Focus on whole grains, vegetables, and fruits
- Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods
- Quit smoking
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol