Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes blood sugar levels to become too high. Without proper treatment, persistently high blood sugar can damage several organs over time.

The main types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.

Treatment for diabetes generally includes lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Some people may also need oral diabetes medications, insulin, or a combination of treatments.

Symptoms of diabetes

The classic diabetes symptoms include:

• Excessive thirst

• Frequent urination

• Dry mouth

• Excessive hunger

• Fatigue

• Vision changes

Type 2 diabetes often develops without noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, blood sugar levels may already be poorly controlled, especially in people with unhealthy eating habits, a high intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, and low levels of physical activity.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are usually identified during childhood or adolescence. They may also include difficulty gaining weight, itching throughout the body, irritability, or sudden mood changes.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes are less common. For this reason, the condition is usually detected through routine prenatal testing, particularly blood glucose testing.

Main types

The main types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus: This is a less common type of diabetes and is an autoimmune condition. The immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, causing the body to produce little or no insulin. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus: This is the most common type of diabetes and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood. Type 2 diabetes usually develops over time, and unhealthy eating habits, excess weight, and physical inactivity can increase the risk.
• Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. It is associated with hormones produced by the placenta that reduce the effectiveness of insulin.
• Type 3 diabetes: Type 3 diabetes is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis. The term is sometimes used to describe a possible difficulty in the brain’s response to insulin because of changes in insulin receptors in nerve cells.
• Prediabetes: Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but are not high enough to meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis.

There are also less common forms of diabetes, such as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, or LADA, medication-induced diabetes, diabetes associated with pancreatic disease, and monogenic diabetes, such as maturity-onset diabetes of the young, or MODY.

Another condition known as diabetes insipidus has a similar name but is not a type of diabetes mellitus. It occurs when the kidneys remove too much fluid from the body and is not directly related to insulin or blood sugar levels.

Possible causes

The causes of diabetes vary depending on the type.

1. Type 1 diabetes

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. It is not caused by diet or lifestyle and can develop at any age, although it is often diagnosed during childhood or adolescence.

2. Type 2 diabetes

The risk of type 2 diabetes is influenced by several factors, including excess weight, abdominal fat, physical inactivity, genetics, and an unhealthy diet high in sugary or highly processed foods.

3. Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops because pregnancy hormones can make insulin less effective.

Women who are overweight, gain excessive weight during pregnancy, previously had gestational diabetes, or have a family history of type 2 diabetes may have a higher risk of developing the condition.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes can be diagnosed using blood tests that measure glucose levels.

One of the most commonly used tests is the fasting plasma glucose test. This test measures blood glucose after fasting for at least eight hours.

The reference values are:

• Normal: below 100 mg/dL

• Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL

• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

A diabetes-range result is usually confirmed with a repeat test on another day, unless blood glucose is clearly elevated and the person has symptoms of diabetes.

A healthcare provider may also order an HbA1C test or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Diabetes treatment

Treatment for diabetes mellitus varies depending on the type.

1. Treatment for type 1 diabetes

The main treatment for type 1 diabetes is daily insulin therapy because the body produces little or no insulin.

Long-acting insulin may be used to provide a steady baseline level throughout the day, while rapid-acting insulin may be needed around meals. Blood glucose levels should be checked as directed to help determine the appropriate dose. Read more about different types of insulin and how they are administered.

In addition to insulin, treatment includes meal planning, carbohydrate management, and regular physical activity.

2. Treatment for type 2 diabetes

Some people with type 2 diabetes can manage their blood sugar through lifestyle changes alone, such as following a balanced diet, limiting sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, and exercising regularly.

If these measures are not enough, a healthcare provider may prescribe one or more medications.

• Oral diabetes medications: these medications help control blood sugar through different mechanisms. Depending on the medication, they may increase insulin production, improve the body’s response to insulin, reduce glucose production by the liver, slow carbohydrate absorption, or increase glucose removal through the urine.

• Insulin: insulin may be used when other diabetes medications do not adequately control blood sugar or when they are not suitable for the patient.

People who use insulin should monitor their blood glucose as directed by their healthcare provider. This may include checking glucose before and after meals with a blood glucose meter.

3. Treatment for gestational diabetes

Treatment for gestational diabetes usually includes dietary changes and regular physical activity, when approved by an OB-GYN or midwife. These measures can help keep blood sugar levels within the recommended range.

If lifestyle changes are not enough to control blood sugar, a healthcare provider may recommend insulin. In some cases, an oral diabetes medication may also be considered based on the patient’s individual needs.

Blood glucose should also be checked regularly at home with a blood glucose meter.

Diet changes

Following a balanced eating plan is an important part of managing diabetes. The plan should limit added sugars and include appropriate portions of carbohydrate-rich foods.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), an individualized meal plan developed with a registered dietitian can help people with diabetes manage blood sugar levels while taking into account the type of diabetes, treatment plan, nutritional needs, and personal food preferences.

Foods and drinks that should be limited include:

• Candy, desserts, and other sweets

• Sugar-sweetened drinks

• Alcoholic beverages

Foods such as fruit, rice, and pasta can be included in a diabetes-friendly eating plan. However, portion size and total carbohydrate intake should be considered.

Whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds can be included as part of a balanced eating plan that supports blood sugar management.

This type of eating plan may also benefit people with prediabetes and, together with other lifestyle changes, may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Also recommended: Diabetic Diet: Foods, Tips & Meal Plan tuasaude.com/en/diabetic-diet

Diabetes during pregnancy

Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy even in women who have never previously had high blood sugar.

According to the CDC, early diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes can help reduce the risk of pregnancy and birth complications. For this reason, blood glucose testing is generally included in routine prenatal care.

Also recommended: Glucose Test Pregnancy: Steps, Results & What to Expect tuasaude.com/en/glucose-test-pregnancy

Most cases are managed with a healthy eating plan, regular physical activity when medically appropriate, and blood glucose monitoring. Medication may also be needed if blood sugar remains above the recommended range.

Diabetes in children

Diabetes mellitus can also develop in children.

Type 1 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes during childhood. However, type 2 diabetes has become more common among children and adolescents, particularly in association with excess weight, physical inactivity, and the frequent consumption of highly processed foods, fast food, and sugary foods and drinks.

Diabetes in children should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Early treatment can support healthy growth and development and help prevent complications at a young age.

Possible complications

When diabetes is not properly managed, blood sugar levels can remain high for long periods and lead to organ damage.

The main complications of diabetes include:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Diabetic neuropathy

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Hearing loss

• Diabetic foot problems

• Depression

High blood sugar can increase the risk of infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), by affecting immune function and circulation.

Diabetes can also slow wound healing because it may impair blood flow, damage nerves, and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection.