What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which blood sugar levels become too high. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps transport glucose into cells for energy. In diabetes, the body either does not produce insulin or cannot use it effectively, causing glucose to accumulate in the bloodstream. Over time, poorly controlled diabetes can damage organs such as the heart, kidneys, and eyes.
What Causes Diabetes?
The most common cause is unhealthy eating habits, especially diets high in processed and low-satiation foods. Diabetes develops when the body produces insufficient insulin or when cells become resistant to insulin. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role. A sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, and poor dietary patterns can greatly increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes can present with several symptoms, including frequent urination, excessive thirst, and increased appetite. Some people experience numbness or burning in the feet, slow-healing wounds, dry or itchy skin, and persistent fatigue. Vision problems and unexplained weight changes can also occur. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a healthcare specialist and undergo regular medical check-ups.
Types of Diabetes
The main types are:
- Type 1 Diabetes: Usually begins in childhood or adolescence. The immune system destroys insulin-producing cells, leaving the body unable to make insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Most common in adults. The body produces too little insulin or cannot use it effectively.
- Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that increase insulin resistance.
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires checking blood sugar levels more than once and at different times. High fasting or post-meal glucose levels raise suspicion, but a single reading is not enough for diagnosis. The most common test is fasting blood glucose, taken after 8 hours without food. Normal levels are below 100 mg/dl; levels of 126 mg/dl or higher indicate diabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may also be used. After drinking a glucose solution, a 2-hour reading of 200 mg/dl or higher confirms diabetes.
How Is Diabetes Treated?
Management focuses on adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, and stress reduction.
- Type 1 Diabetes: Requires lifelong insulin therapy.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Often treated with lifestyle changes, but may also require oral medications or insulin. In obese patients who do not respond to standard treatments, metabolic surgery—especially gastric bypass—can significantly improve blood sugar control.
- Gestational Diabetes: Usually managed with diet and exercise, though insulin may be needed in some cases.
