Diabetes: Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It occurs when blood sugar levels are too high because of insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin in the proper way. Most types of diabetes are chronic but can be managed by medication and lifestyle changes.

What are the types of diabetes?

There are several types of diabetes, including:

• Type 2 Diabetes – The body does not produce enough insulin or is resistant to it; this type mostly affects adults but it can also occur in children.
• Prediabetes – Blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough for a Type 2 diagnosis.
• Type 1 Diabetes – It’s an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in pancreas. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
• Gestational Diabetes – Occurs during pregnancy increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Other Types – Include Type 3c (pancreatic damage-related), Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults or LADA (slow-developing autoimmune), Maturity-onset diabetes of the young or MODY (genetic mutation), Neonatal Diabetes (in infants), and Brittle Diabetes (severe blood sugar fluctuations).

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Common symptoms of diabetes are:

• Unusual thirst and dry mouth
• Increased frequency of urination
• Constant fatigue or general illness
• Intermittent blurred vision
• Weight loss without effort
• A tingling or numb feeling in your hands or feet
• Cuts and wounds that take longer to heal
• Recurring infections with yeast

In Type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to be more severe. If you or your child experience these symptoms, consult your GP. Symptoms usually improve with treatment, but uncontrolled blood sugar can cause them to return.

What causes diabetes?

The causes of diabetes vary depending on the type:

• Type 2 Diabetes – Often as a result of insulin resistance caused by obesity, inactivity, diet, hormonal imbalances, genetics, or certain medications.
• Type 1 Diabetes & LADA – Result from an autoimmune response that destroys insulin-producing cells in pancreas.
• Gestational Diabetes – Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause insulin resistance.
• Other Causes – Can include pancreatic damage, genetic mutations, and long-term medication use (including HIV/AIDS medications and corticosteroids).

What are the complications of diabetes?

Diabetes can lead to both acute and long-term health complications:

Acute Complications (Require Immediate Medical Attention):

• Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS): Common in Type 2 diabetes, this occurs when blood sugar levels become dangerously high, leading to dehydration and confusion.
• Diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA): Mostly affects Type 1 diabetes and undiagnosed individuals. Without insulin, the body breaks down fat for energy, releasing acidic ketones into the bloodstream, which can cause breathing difficulties, vomiting, and unconsciousness.
• Severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): – Often occurs in insulin-dependent individuals, leading to symptoms like blurred vision, clumsiness, confusion, and seizures.

Long-Term Complications:

• Heart and Blood Vessel (cardiovascular) Issues – Increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy) – Causes numbness, tingling, or pain.
• Kidney Damage (Nephropathy) – Can lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant.
• Eye Problems (Retinopathy) – May result in vision impairment or blindness.
• Foot Problems – Poor circulation and nerve damage can cause serious foot issues.
• Skin Infections – More common in people with diabetes.
• Sexual Dysfunction – Can cause erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness.
• Mental Health Issues – People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Your GP may perform one or more of the following blood tests to diagnose diabetes:

• Fasting Blood Glucose Test – Measures blood sugar after at least eight hours of fasting.
• Random Blood Glucose Test – Taken at any time regardless of eating.
• HbA1c Test – Shows average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test – Primarily used to screen for gestational diabetes.

How is diabetes managed?

Managing diabetes involves a combination of approaches tailored to each individual. Key aspects include:

• Blood Sugar Monitoring – Through using glucose meters or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).
• Medication – Includes oral drugs for Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and gestational diabetes (if necessary) and synthetic insulin for Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes cases.
• Diet & Exercise – Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity.
• Complication Screening – Routine check-ups for eye, kidney, nerve, and foot health.

How can I prevent diabetes?

While autoimmune and genetic diabetes cannot be prevented, you can reduce the risk of Type 2 and gestational diabetes through:

• A healthy diet (e.g. Mediterranean diet)
• Regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing stress, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking

What is the prognosis for diabetes?

People with diabetes can live long, healthy lives if their condition is properly managed. But inadequate blood sugar regulation can result in major issues. Effective diabetes management requires routine medical examinations and keeping a healthy lifestyle.

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