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Diabetes: What You Need to Know

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). It can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, but with the right knowledge and care, you can live a healthy life.

 

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce insulin (Type 1) or does not use insulin effectively (Type 2). Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. When it’s absent or not working correctly, blood sugar rises to dangerous levels.

 

Types of Diabetes

There are several forms of diabetes, but the two main types are:

• Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) – An autoimmune disease where the body destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with Type 1 diabetes have low or no insulin and require lifelong insulin therapy. This type often appears before age 10 in about 45% of cases.
• Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) – The body develops insulin resistance, meaning insulin is produced but doesn’t work as well. Over time, the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to compensate. This type is often caused by obesity and aging, and 90% of diabetes cases worldwide are Type 2.

Other rarer forms of diabetes can result from pancreatic diseases, genetic mutations, or other medical conditions.

 

What Causes Diabetes?

The exact cause depends on the type:

 

Type 1 Diabetes Causes:

✔ The immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells, leading to an insulin deficiency.
✔ Genetics and autoimmune diseases play a role.

 

Type 2 Diabetes Causes:

✔ Obesity and lack of physical activity are the biggest risk factors.
✔ The body becomes resistant to insulin, and the pancreas struggles to keep up.
✔ Family history increases the risk—Type 2 diabetes is more hereditary than Type 1.
✔ Aging increases risk—1 in 4 people over 65 has Type 2 diabetes.

 

How the Body Reacts to Diabetes

Since insulin is missing or not working well, the body compensates by increasing glucagon, another hormone that raises blood sugar further, creating a vicious cycle of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

 

How Diabetes Affects the Body

Uncontrolled high blood sugar (above 180 mg/dL is considered high, and above 250 mg/dL can cause excessive thirst and urination) leads to long-term complications:

🩸 Vision loss & blindness – Damage to blood vessels in the retina.
🩸 Kidney failure – Can lead to dialysis if not managed.
🩸 Nerve damage – Poor circulation increases risk of amputation.
🩸 Heart disease & stroke – People with diabetes are at higher risk.

Severe Complications (Emergency Situations)

🚨 Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) – More common in Type 1 diabetes. When the body doesn’t have insulin, it starts breaking down fat for energy, producing acidic ketones. This causes:
✔ Fruity-smelling breath
✔ Rapid, labored breathing
✔ Extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting
✔ Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

🚨 Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS) – More common in Type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar rises dangerously high, causing:
✔ Severe thirst and dehydration
✔ Dry mouth, frequent urination
✔ Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and breathing

Both conditions are life-threatening and require emergency treatment with IV fluids and insulin therapy.

 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetes

Early diagnosis is key! Watch for:

✔ Excessive thirst & urination
✔ Unexplained weight loss
✔ Extreme fatigue
✔ Blurred vision

If left unchecked, diabetes can lead to severe complications over time.

 

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, Type 2 diabetes often can be avoided with these steps:

✅ Maintain a healthy weight
✅ Eat a balanced diet (low in processed sugars & unhealthy fats)
✅ Exercise regularly
✅ Monitor blood sugar if at risk

Remember: Even if diabetes runs in your family, lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk.

 

How Is Diabetes Treated?

Managing diabetes effectively means controlling blood sugar levels to prevent complications.

 

Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

🔹 Requires daily insulin injections or an insulin pump.
🔹 Frequent blood sugar monitoring is essential.

 

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

🔹 Diet and exercise may be enough in early stages.
🔹 Medications can improve insulin sensitivity and help the pancreas secrete insulin.
🔹 In some cases, insulin therapy may be required.

 

Blood Sugar Goals

📉 Keep glucose levels between 90-130 mg/dL to avoid complications.

 

Other Important Health Targets

📌 Blood pressure below 130/85
📌 LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL (or under 70 mg/dL if you have heart disease).

🚨 Avoid Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)!
Too much insulin or skipping meals can cause blood sugar to drop too low, leading to dizziness, confusion, and even fainting.

 

Diabetes & Life Expectancy

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S., but with proper care, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives. Early detection, lifestyle changes, and medication can dramatically improve health outcomes.

 

Key Takeaways

✔ Diabetes is a serious but manageable condition.
✔ Type 1 requires lifelong insulin therapy, while Type 2 can often be prevented and controlled through lifestyle changes.
✔ Left unchecked, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney disease, amputations, and heart problems.
✔ Early diagnosis and consistent care are the keys to living well with diabetes.

Reliable Sources for More Information

📖 Sapra A, Bhandari P. Diabetes. [Updated 2023 Jun 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: NCBI