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Diabetes

What is diabetes?

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Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from the blood into the cells, where it is used for energy.

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When insulin is not working as it should, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. Over time, high blood sugar levels can affect many parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

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There are several different types of diabetes, with type 1 and type 2 being the most common. Some people also develop diabetes during pregnancy, known as gestational diabetes.

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Common symptoms include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Feeling very tired or low in energy
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased hunger
• Slow-healing cuts or wounds
• Frequent infections
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Some people, especially those with type 2 diabetes, may have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all at first.

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How diabetes develops

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Diabetes develops when the body is no longer able to regulate blood sugar effectively.

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In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body can no longer make enough insulin.

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In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, meaning it does not use it as effectively. Over time, the pancreas may also struggle to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar within a healthy range.

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There is no single cause of diabetes, but several factors can contribute, including:

• Family history — having a close relative with diabetes can increase your risk
• Weight and physical inactivity — these can play a role in insulin resistance, especially in type 2 diabetes
• Age — the risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, though it can occur earlier as well
• Autoimmune factors — these are linked to type 1 diabetes
• Hormonal and pregnancy-related changes — these can contribute to gestational diabetes

Because diabetes can develop gradually, it is not always recognized right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in managing symptoms and reducing the risk of complications.

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Types of diabetes

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Diabetes is not one single condition. Different types affect the body in different ways and may require different approaches to treatment and self-management.

• Type 1 diabetes — an autoimmune condition in which the body stops producing insulin. It often develops in childhood or early adulthood, but it can occur at any age. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin treatment.
• Type 2 diabetes — the most common form of diabetes. It happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make enough of it. It is more common in adults, but it is increasingly seen in younger people as well.
• Gestational diabetes — diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It usually goes away after birth, but it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on.
• Prediabetes — a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It is an important warning sign and can sometimes be reversed with lifestyle changes.
• Other specific types of diabetes — some forms of diabetes are caused by genetic conditions, pancreatic disease, medications, or hormonal disorders.

Understanding which type of diabetes you have can help guide treatment decisions and support you in managing your health more confidently.

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