Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Normally, your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. When blood sugar rises, the pancreas releases insulin to help your cells absorb it for energy.
However, in people with diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels (CDC).

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes
This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It often develops in childhood or adolescence but can appear at any age (NHS).
Type 2 Diabetes
The most common form of diabetes, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough of it. It is strongly linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and body weight (Mayo Clinic).
Gestational Diabetes
This type occurs during pregnancy and
usually resolves after childbirth, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life (NIH).

Common Symptoms

According to the American Diabetes Association, the most common symptoms of diabetes include:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes:

Being overweight or obese
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of diabetes
High blood pressure
Poor diet high in processed foods and sugars (WHO)

Complications

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems (NIH).

Prevention & Management

While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, type 2 diabetes can often be delayed or prevented through lifestyle changes:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
Exercising regularly
Monitoring blood sugar levels as recommended by your doctor (CDC)

✅ Bottom line: Diabetes is a serious but manageable condition. With early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes, people with diabetes can live healthy and active lives.

Sources:
– CDC – Diabetes Basics
– Mayo Clinic – Type 2 Diabetes
– WHO – Diabetes Fact Sheet

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