Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy.

The main types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t produce insulin. Type 2 occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin properly. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after giving birth, though it increases the risk of developing Type 2 later.

Increased thirst (polydipsia) and frequent urination (polyuria) are classic symptoms of diabetes. Other common symptoms include extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections. These symptoms occur because excess glucose is being excreted in the urine, drawing fluid from tissues.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This process can go on for months or years before symptoms appear. While the exact cause of this autoimmune reaction is unknown, it’s believed that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved.

Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include being over 45 years old, having a family history of diabetes, physical inactivity, having prediabetes, having gestational diabetes during pregnancy, and certain ethnic backgrounds (African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander).

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose (sugar) from food enter cells to be used for energy. It acts like a key, unlocking cell doors to allow glucose to enter. In diabetes, either the body doesn’t make enough insulin (Type 1) or can’t effectively use the insulin it produces (Type 2), causing glucose to build up in the blood.

A normal fasting blood glucose level is between 70-99 mg/dL (3.9-5.5 mmol/L). Fasting blood glucose levels between 100-125 mg/dL (5.6-6.9 mmol/L) indicate prediabetes, and levels of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher indicate diabetes. These tests should be performed after fasting for at least 8 hours.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications including nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), heart disease, stroke, foot problems that can lead to amputation, skin conditions, and hearing impairment. Maintaining good blood sugar control is essential for preventing or delaying these complications.

The HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) test measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. It provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, helping to monitor long-term diabetes control. For most adults with diabetes, the target HbA1c level is below 7%, though individual targets may vary.

Regular physical activity and a balanced diet are key lifestyle changes for managing Type 2 diabetes. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, while a balanced diet helps control blood sugar levels. Other helpful lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring blood sugar, taking medications as prescribed, and managing stress.