What is Diabetes? A Complete Understanding

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease in which the body is unable to regulate blood glucose (sugar) properly. Glucose is the primary fuel for our cells, and insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps this glucose enter the cells.
When insulin is insufficient or the body stops responding to it, glucose remains in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar levels — this condition is called Diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin injections are required lifelong. It usually appears in children or young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes
The most common form, especially in adults. Here, the body becomes insulin-resistant, and later the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin. It is strongly linked with genetics, abdominal obesity, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress, PCOS, and family history.
Gestational Diabetes
Occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and insulin resistance. It usually resolves after delivery but increases the mother’s risk of Type 2 Diabetes in future.

Common Symptoms

Increased thirst and frequent urination
Excessive hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and irritability
Blurred vision
Slow-healing wounds
Recurrent infections (skin, gums, urinary tract)
Some patients have no symptoms, making routine screening essential.

Why Diabetes Happens

The exact cause depends on the type:

In Type 1: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells.
In Type 2: Combination of genetic factors and lifestyle-related insulin resistance.
In Gestational diabetes: Pregnancy-related hormonal changes causing insulin resistance.

How Diabetes is Diagnosed

Fasting Blood Sugar
HbA1c (3-month average sugar)
Post-meal Blood Sugar
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (in pregnancy)

Complications if Uncontrolled

Long-term uncontrolled diabetes can damage:

Heart (heart attack, stroke)
Kidneys (diabetic nephropathy)
Eyes (retinopathy, vision loss)
Nerves (neuropathy, burning feet)
Feet (ulcers, amputations)

Early control helps prevent all these.

Management

Balanced diet and controlled carbohydrate intake
Regular physical activity
Weight reduction
Adequate sleep and stress control
Medicines or insulin as advised
Regular monitoring and follow-up

Conclusion

Diabetes is common but highly manageable when detected early and treated correctly. With proper lifestyle changes, medication, and regular medical supervision, people with diabetes can live a completely healthy and productive life