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Video explanation from PulseCare
Overview
Diabetes, commonly called “sugar problem” or “sugar disease,” is a
long-term health condition in which the level of glucose (sugar) in
the blood becomes too high.
Glucose is an important source of energy for the body. A hormone called
insulin helps glucose move from the blood into the body's cells, where
it can be used for energy. Diabetes develops when the body does not
produce enough insulin, does not use insulin effectively, or both.
When blood sugar remains high for a long time, it can gradually damage
blood vessels and nerves and affect important organs such as the heart,
kidneys, eyes and feet.
Diabetes does not always cause obvious symptoms. In particular, type 2
diabetes may develop slowly and remain unnoticed for years. This is why
early testing and regular health check-ups are important, especially
for people with risk factors.
The good news is that diabetes can often be effectively managed, and
many complications can be prevented or delayed through appropriate
treatment, healthy lifestyle habits, regular monitoring and medical
follow-up.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system attacks the
insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. As a result, the body produces
little or no insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin to survive. It can
occur at any age, although it is often diagnosed in children and young
adults.
Important: Type 1 diabetes is not caused simply by
eating too much sugar.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
In this condition, the body does not use insulin properly, a problem
known as insulin resistance. Over time, the pancreas may also be unable
to produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with factors such as excess body
weight, physical inactivity and family history. It can often be
prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes in people at risk.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when blood glucose
becomes higher than normal.
It may not cause noticeable symptoms and is usually identified through
screening during pregnancy. Having gestational diabetes can increase
the mother's future risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes means blood glucose is higher than the healthy range but
not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and
cardiovascular disease. However, progression to type 2 diabetes is not
inevitable, and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk.
Symptoms
Excessive Thirst:
You may feel unusually thirsty or find yourself drinking water much
more frequently than usual.
Frequent Urination:
High blood glucose can cause the kidneys to remove more glucose
through urine, increasing the need to urinate.
Increased Hunger:
Some people experience unusual or persistent hunger even after eating.
Unexplained Weight Loss:
Losing weight without intentionally changing your diet or exercise
routine can sometimes be a sign of diabetes.
Tiredness or Weakness:
Persistently high or poorly controlled blood sugar can be associated
with fatigue and low energy.
Frequent Infections:
Some people may experience recurrent infections, including urinary,
skin or yeast infections.
Causes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is primarily related to an autoimmune reaction in which
the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops through a combination of factors, particularly:
Gestational Diabetes
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can increase insulin resistance.
If the body cannot produce enough additional insulin to compensate,
gestational diabetes may develop.
Risk Factors
The risk of developing diabetes can depend on several factors.
Common risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as age and family history.
However, several lifestyle-related risk factors can be modified.
Diagnosis
Diabetes is diagnosed using blood tests rather than symptoms alone.
A doctor may recommend testing if you have symptoms or risk factors
for diabetes.
Common diagnostic tests include:
The exact test and interpretation depend on the individual's situation.
Pregnancy may require different testing approaches.
Why HbA1c Is Important
The HbA1c test provides an estimate of your average blood glucose
levels over approximately the previous three months.
Unlike a fasting blood glucose test, you generally do not need to fast
before an HbA1c test. However, certain medical conditions, including
some forms of anemia, can affect how the test is interpreted.
Do not diagnose yourself based only on a home glucometer reading.
A healthcare professional should interpret blood glucose results and
confirm a diagnosis when appropriate.
Tests / Investigations
Blood Glucose Tests:
Used to measure current or fasting blood sugar levels.
HbA1c:
Helps assess average blood glucose over the previous few months.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test:
Measures how the body responds to glucose over a period of time and
is particularly useful in certain situations, including pregnancy.
Kidney Function Tests:
Diabetes can affect the kidneys, so doctors may monitor kidney
function and urine markers.
Lipid Profile:
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be checked because diabetes
is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Blood Pressure Monitoring:
Blood pressure management is an important part of reducing
diabetes-related cardiovascular and kidney complications.
Eye Examination:
Regular eye evaluation can help detect diabetic eye disease early.
Foot Examination:
Doctors may examine the feet for changes in sensation, circulation,
skin integrity and wounds.
The exact investigations required vary from person to person.
Treatment
There is no single treatment plan that works for everyone with diabetes.
Treatment depends on the type of diabetes, blood glucose levels, age,
other medical conditions, medications and individual health goals.
Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy eating, physical activity, maintaining an appropriate body
weight, adequate sleep and avoiding tobacco are important parts of
diabetes management.
Medicines
Depending on the type and severity of diabetes, treatment may include:
Medicines for associated conditions such as high blood pressure or
high cholesterol
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin. Some people with type 2
diabetes may also eventually require insulin or other injectable
treatments.
Regular Monitoring
Regular monitoring helps patients and healthcare professionals
understand whether the treatment plan is working and whether changes
are needed.
Never start, stop or change diabetes medication without consulting
your doctor.
Lifestyle / Home Care
Living well with diabetes is not about completely changing your life
overnight. Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference.
Stay Physically Active:
Regular physical activity can help improve blood glucose control and
overall cardiovascular health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
If you are overweight, gradual and medically appropriate weight loss
may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Take Medicines as Prescribed:
Do not skip medicines simply because you feel well.
Monitor Blood Sugar When Recommended:
Your doctor may recommend home glucose monitoring depending on your
treatment plan.
Take Care of Your Feet:
Check your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness or
wounds.
Avoid Tobacco:
Smoking and tobacco use increase cardiovascular and other health risks.
Keep Regular Medical Appointments:
Diabetes management involves more than checking blood sugar.
Blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney health, eye health and foot
health may also need regular attention.
Diet / Nutrition
Having diabetes does not necessarily mean you have to completely stop
eating all foods you enjoy.
The goal is to develop a sustainable eating pattern that helps maintain
blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol within the ranges
recommended by your healthcare team.
Prefer More Often
Limit
A Simple Rule
Instead of focusing only on “What food is allowed?”, focus on:
A personalised meal plan may be especially useful for people taking
insulin, those with kidney disease, pregnant women, or people with
other medical conditions.
Complications
Heart and Blood Vessels:
Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including
heart attack and stroke.
Kidneys:
Long-term high blood glucose can damage the kidneys and may eventually
contribute to kidney failure.
Eyes:
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina and may lead to
vision problems or permanent vision loss.
Nerves:
Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling, burning or pain, especially
in the feet.
Feet:
Reduced sensation and poor circulation can make foot wounds harder
to notice and heal, increasing the risk of ulcers and infection.
Infections:
Diabetes may increase susceptibility to certain infections and can
make healing more difficult.
Prevention
Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented. However, type 2 diabetes
can often be prevented or delayed in people at increased risk.
Helpful steps include:
Reduce excessive intake of sugary drinks and highly processed foods
WHO recommends regular physical activity and healthy eating as
important measures for preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes.
Doctor's Note
Diabetes is a condition that can be managed successfully when it is
diagnosed early and treated consistently.
Do not look at diabetes as simply a problem of “eating sugar.” It is
a complex metabolic condition that requires attention to blood glucose,
blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, nutrition, physical activity
and overall health.
Many people with type 2 diabetes may have no obvious symptoms for years.
Regular health checks can therefore be extremely important, particularly
if you have a family history of diabetes, excess weight, physical
inactivity or other risk factors.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, take your prescribed medicines
regularly, follow your healthcare plan and attend recommended
follow-up appointments. With appropriate care and lifestyle changes,
many diabetes-related complications can be prevented or delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which blood glucose, or blood sugar,
becomes too high because the body does not produce enough insulin,
does not use insulin effectively, or both.
Can diabetes be cured permanently?
The answer depends on the type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes requires
lifelong insulin treatment. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes go into
remission with significant lifestyle changes, weight loss and
appropriate medical treatment, but this does not mean the condition
can be safely ignored or that follow-up is unnecessary.
Can eating too much sugar cause diabetes?
Eating sugar alone does not directly explain all cases of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes develops from a combination of genetic, metabolic and
lifestyle factors. Excess calorie intake and weight gain can increase
the risk.
What are the early symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination,
increased hunger, tiredness, unexplained weight loss and blurred
vision. Some people may also experience slow-healing wounds or
frequent infections.
Can people with diabetes eat fruit?
Generally, fruit can be part of a healthy diabetes-friendly diet.
The important factors include portion size, the overall meal pattern
and individual blood glucose response. Whole fruit is generally
preferable to sugary drinks or fruit-flavoured beverages.
When should I get tested for diabetes?
You should discuss testing with a healthcare professional if you have
symptoms or risk factors such as family history, excess weight,
physical inactivity, previous gestational diabetes or prediabetes.
Can diabetes affect the eyes and kidneys?
Yes. Long-term diabetes can damage blood vessels and affect the eyes
and kidneys. Regular screening can help identify complications early.