Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar, also called glucose. Glucose is a vital source of energy for the muscles, tissues, and brain. However, when the body struggles to regulate glucose properly, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood, which may cause serious health issues over time.
There are various types of diabetes, each with its unique causes and risk factors. The two main types, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, are chronic conditions. In addition, there are potentially reversible conditions like prediabetes and gestational diabetes. While both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to high blood sugar, gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and may resolve after childbirth. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes, and it can progress to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes can vary based on blood sugar levels and the type of diabetes. Some people, especially those with prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, may not notice symptoms at first. In contrast, symptoms in type 1 diabetes tend to appear suddenly and can be severe. Common symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Presence of ketones in urine (ketones are produced when the body breaks down muscle and fat due to low insulin)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Mood changes or irritability
- Blurry vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections (including gum, skin, and vaginal infections)
When to See a Doctor
If you or your child experience any of the symptoms mentioned, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider for evaluation. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment. If you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes, regular check-ups and monitoring are necessary to manage your blood sugar levels and avoid complications.
Causes of Diabetes
Understanding the causes of diabetes begins with knowing how the body uses insulin and glucose:
- Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that enables glucose to enter cells, providing them with the energy they need.
- Glucose: A sugar derived from food and stored in the liver, glucose fuels the body’s cells. When blood sugar levels are low, the liver releases stored glucose to maintain a healthy balance.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or when the body becomes resistant to insulin. While the exact causes of diabetes are not fully understood, both genetic and environmental factors likely contribute. Type 1 diabetes may be linked to autoimmune conditions, while type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity levels.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for diabetes vary based on the type of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: While family history and genetics may play a role, the exact cause remains unclear. People with autoimmune diseases may have a higher risk.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This is more common in individuals over 40, though it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people, including children. Risk factors include family history, being overweight, lack of physical activity, and poor dietary habits. Certain racial or ethnic groups, such as Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian American populations, may also face a higher risk.
- Gestational Diabetes: Pregnancy-related diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child. Having gestational diabetes also raises the chances of complications during pregnancy.
Complications of Diabetes
Long-term diabetes complications can affect various organs and systems in the body, leading to serious health issues:
Heart and Blood Vessel Disease: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries).
Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar can damage the nerves, especially in the legs, leading to tingling, numbness, or pain. Nerve damage in other areas can affect digestion, causing nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
Kidney Damage (Nephropathy): Diabetes can damage the kidneys’ filtering system, potentially leading to kidney failure.
Eye Damage (Retinopathy): Diabetes may harm the blood vessels in the eyes, increasing the risk of blindness.
Foot Damage: Poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to infections, ulcers, and in severe cases, amputation.
Skin and Mouth Conditions: People with diabetes are more prone to infections and skin issues like fungal infections.
Hearing Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: Hearing problems are more common in individuals with diabetes, and type 2 diabetes may raise the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Depression: Diabetes can lead to mood changes and mental health challenges, including depression.
Gestational Diabetes: Complications for Mother and Baby
While most women with gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies, untreated or poorly controlled blood sugar can cause complications for both mother and child:
- For the baby: The excess glucose in the mother’s bloodstream can lead to excessive growth, resulting in difficult delivery or the need for a cesarean section. Babies may also develop low blood sugar after birth or face a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
- For the mother: Women with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), and gestational diabetes can recur in future pregnancies.
Preventing Diabetes
While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, you can take steps to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and manage prediabetes and gestational diabetes:
- Eat a healthy diet: Choose foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit fats, sugars, and processed foods.
- Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Simple activities like brisk walking can make a big difference.
- Lose excess weight: Even modest weight loss (around 7% of your body weight) can lower your risk of diabetes. Focus on sustainable changes to eating and exercise habits to maintain a healthy weight long-term.
- Medication: In some cases, medications like metformin may be prescribed to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, but they should be combined with a healthy lifestyle for the best results.
- Monitor your blood sugar: If you have prediabetes, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor blood sugar levels and prevent progression to diabetes.
By making small but consistent changes in your lifestyle, you can significantly lower your risk of diabetes and its complications, improving your overall health and quality of life.
