What is diabetes?

Glucose, a type of sugar, is the body's primary source of energy. Normally, glucose levels in the body are tightly managed by a hormone called insulin. Insulin is made by the pancreas, an organ that sits between the kidneys.

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood. Glucose levels increase when the body is unable to either make enough insulin or use its insulin properly. This difference helps doctors classify the types of diabetes – type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Most people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, even if they are on insulin treatment.

Long exposure to high blood glucose levels damages blood vessels and nerves. This results in heart disease, kidney disease, eye complications and foot damage.

There are 3 main types of diabetes - type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. 

Type 1 Diabetes 

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This attack on the pancreas reduces insulin production, which is important for controlling glucose levels.

Type 1 diabetes accounts for around 10% of all diabetes cases. It usually develops during childhood but can develop at any time. People with Type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin for survival. They need to take insulin through injections or an insulin pump to regulate their glucose levels.

Symptoms can include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. If left untreated, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition.

Type 2 Diabetes 

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that affects how the body processes glucose.

Unlike Type 1, where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, type 2 diabetes is characterised by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. People living with type 2 diabetes usually need to take medications to help manage the condition, while some will also need insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 85-90% of cases. It is linked to genetic or lifestyle factors like being overweight and eating foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats.

The onset of type 2 diabetes may be gradual, and most people will not experience any symptoms initially. The damage of diabetes starts before symptoms occur. Common symptoms include increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, gradual unexplained weight loss or gain, fatigue, blurred vision, cuts that heal slowly, headaches, and muscle cramps.

Lifestyle changes are a fundamental aspect of managing type 2 diabetes. This includes adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. These changes can often help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

Gestational Diabetes 

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is characterised by elevated blood sugar levels that develop in some pregnant women who did not have diabetes prior to becoming pregnant.

Gestational diabetes usually appears in the second or third trimester and typically goes away after childbirth. Doctors typically diagnose it through the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), which they usually conduct at around 28 weeks gestation.

It is essential to manage the condition effectively during pregnancy to protect both the mother's and the baby's health.

Gestational diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise, but some women may require medication or insulin injections for management.

Learn if you are at risk of diabetes here