When your blood sugar, or glucose, is too high, you have diabetes. It develops when your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or any at all, or when your body isn’t responding to the effects of insulin properly. All ages are affected by diabetes. Most forms of diabetes are chronic (lifelong), and all forms are manageable with medications and/or lifestyle changes.
Sugar, or glucose, comes primarily from the carbohydrates in your food and beverages. It is your body's primary energy source. Your blood carries glucose to all your body’s cells to use for energy.
A "key" is necessary for glucose to "reach its final destination" once it is present in your bloodstream. This key is insulin (a hormone). Glucose builds up in your bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), either because your body isn't using insulin properly or because your pancreas isn't producing enough insulin. Over time, having consistently high blood glucose can cause health problems, such as heart disease, nerve damage, and eye issues.
The technical name for diabetes is diabetes mellitus. Another condition shares the term “diabetes”—diabetes insipidus—but they’re distinct. They share the name “diabetes” because they both cause increased thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes insipidus occurs much less frequently than diabetes mellitus does.
What are the types of diabetes?
There are several types of diabetes. The most common forms include
Type 2 diabetes: With this type, your body doesn’t make enough insulin and/or your body’s cells don’t respond normally to the insulin (insulin resistance). This is the most common type of diabetes. It mostly affects adults, but it can also happen to children. Prediabetes: This type is the stage before Type 2 diabetes. Your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be officially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Over the course of a few weeks or months, symptoms of T1D can appear quickly. You may develop additional symptoms that are signs of a severe complication called diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment. DKA symptoms include vomiting, stomach pains, fruity-smelling breath, and labored breathing.
Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes:
You may not have any symptoms at all, or you may not notice them since they develop slowly. Before you notice any symptoms, routine blood tests may reveal high blood sugar levels. Another possible sign of prediabetes is darkened skin on certain parts of your body (acanthosis nigricans).
Diabetes gestationale: Symptoms of gestational diabetes typically go unnoticed. Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider will test you for gestational diabetes.
Diabetes is prevalent. Approximately 37.3 million people in the United States have diabetes, which is about 11% of the population. The most common type of diabetes, type 2, accounts for between 90% and 95% of all cases. Diabetes affects approximately 537 million adult people worldwide. Experts predict this number will rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.
Regardless of the type, diabetes is caused by an excess of glucose in the blood. However, the reason for high blood glucose levels varies from diabetes type to diabetes type. Diabetes has the following causes: Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is the primary cause of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance happens when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond as they should to insulin. Several factors and conditions contribute to varying degrees of insulin resistance, including obesity, lack of physical activity, diet, hormonal imbalances, genetics, and certain medications.
When your immune system attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin, you get type 1 diabetes and LADA. Hormonal imbalances: Insulin resistance is brought on by hormones released by the placenta during pregnancy. You may develop gestational diabetes if your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to overcome the insulin resistance. Other hormone-related conditions like acromegaly and Cushing syndrome can also cause type 2 diabetes.
A condition, surgery, or injury can cause damage to the pancreas, which can make it harder to make insulin, which can lead to type 3c diabetes. Genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations can cause MODY and neonatal diabetes.
Managing with When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, you should see a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst and frequent urination.
If you have diabetes, you should see your provider who helps you manage diabetes (such as an endocrinologist) regularly.
The Cleveland Clinic's note Being diagnosed with diabetes is a life-changing event, but it doesn’t mean you can’t live a happy and healthy life. Managing diabetes involves consistent care and diligence. While it’ll likely be very overwhelming at first, over time you’ll get a better grasp on managing the condition and being in tune with your body.
Be sure to see your healthcare provider(s) regularly. Diabetes management requires collaboration; you will need the support of friends, family, and medical professionals. If you require assistance, don't be afraid to contact them.
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