Diabetes: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Diagnosis, & More
Overview of Diabetes
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a chronic medical condition that develops when the pancreas doesn’t make insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels), or the body doesn’t use it effectively.
If left untreated, it can cause serious damage (especially to blood vessels and nerves). Though death from diabetes is common (if left untreated for a long time), it can be managed with proper medication and some lifestyle changes.
We get glucose mainly from carbohydrates; our body needs it for energy. After you eat carbs, your body converts them into glucose, and insulin helps it reach your cells.
When your body doesn’t use insulin properly, or doesn’t produce enough, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, which over time causes high blood sugar levels.
It can have serious effects on your nerves if left untreated.
According to the IDF (in 2024), 7.7% of the Nepali adult population was affected by diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounting for the vast majority of cases. If you are one of them, read this blog thoroughly.
In this comprehensive blog, we discuss diabetes types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention.
First, what are the types of diabetes?
There are various types of diabetes, namely:
- Type 1 diabetes: A type of diabetes in which your immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Why? Currently, the reason is unknown.
- Type 2 diabetes: A type of diabetes in which the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or the body doesn’t respond normally to insulin.
- Prediabetes: A type where blood sugar level is high but not high enough to be considered diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes: Generally, it develops during pregnancy and goes away after pregnancy. Having this diabetes increases the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes.
- Type 3c diabetes: A type in which the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells are damaged.
- Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA): a type similar to type 1; the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, but unlike type 1, this develops slowly.
- Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY): a type of diabetes caused by a genetic mutation (inherited) that affects how the body produces or uses insulin.
- Neonatal diabetes: A rare type of diabetes that develops within 6 months of birth. Usually, for most, it goes away after a few months.
- Brittle diabetes: A type of type 1 diabetes with regularly high and low blood sugar levels.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The symptoms of diabetes include:
- Feeling of thirst (more than usual)
- Urination more than usual
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Ketones (cells of muscle or fat that are indicators of not enough insulin) in urine
- Blurred vision
- Tingling in the hands or numbness
- Sores or cuts heal slowly.
- Getting skin, gum, and/or vaginal yeast infections
What are the causes of diabetes?
The exact causes of diabetes are not well known. In all cases, it happens when too much glucose is circulating in the bloodstream. This is mainly because the body doesn’t produce insulin properly.
Most types of diabetes may result from a combination of genetics and environmental factors.
Type 2 diabetes may result from increased insulin resistance in the body’s cells. In contrast, type 1 and LADA may result from the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Certain types of medication may also cause diabetes.
How is diabetes diagnosed? What are its treatments?
Testing blood glucose is the most common way to diagnose diabetes. There are mainly three ways of checking blood sugar levels, namely:
- A1C test: A test that doesn’t require fasting. It gives the average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months.
- Fasting blood glucose test: A test where you don’t eat or drink anything except water for at least 8 hours before the test. This test measures your baseline blood sugar level.
- Random blood glucose test: Unlike other tests, this test is taken at random, so no matter what you have eaten, a blood glucose level of 200 milligrams per deciliter suggests diabetes.
- Glucose tolerance test: People fast overnight, then have their blood sugar level tested. A sugar level of 140 mg/dL and lower is normal.
- A urine test may indicate you have diabetes (if ketones are present).
Now that you understand how diabetes is diagnosed, let’s now understand its treatment:
- Healthy diet: People with diabetes (all) focus on eating fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. It helps bring sugar levels down. Sugary foods may be okay (once in a while). Consult with a doctor to understand the exact portions.
- Exercise: Aerobic exercise helps lower blood sugar levels (for all diabetes). Physical activity helps move sugar to cells where it is used for energy.
- Type 1 diabetes: insulin injections or an insulin pump. Blood tests are taken frequently. People may also get a pancreas transplant (if necessary).
- Type 2 diabetes: lifestyle changes, monitoring blood sugar levels frequently, along with oral diabetes drugs.
What are the complications of diabetes?
If left untreated, diabetes can cause a lot of damage to the body. Possible complications could be:
- Increases the risk of heart and blood vessel disease
- Nerve damage from diabetes (from high blood sugar levels)
- Damage to kidney
- Eye damage due to diabetes
- Poor blood flow to the feet causes foot complications.
- Skin and mouth complications
- Hearing impairment
- Diabetes can increase the risk of dementia.
- Depression related complications
- and more.
Can diabetes be prevented?
Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. But other types of diabetes may be prevented by:
- Healthy diet (lower in fat and calories)
- Exercising regularly
- Losing weight
- Checking blood sugar levels regularly
When to see a doctor?
If you have diabetes symptoms, consult a doctor. Early diagnosis can improve long-term health.
Why choose Karunya Health Care?
At Karunya Health Care, we are more than just a clinic; we are a trusted healthcare partner for the Lalitpur community. Established with a vision to provide holistic, affordable, patient-centered care, we bring together modern medicine and compassionate service under one roof. Book a consultation with our Endocrinologist, Dr. Mahesh Dahal.
Dr. Mahesh Dahal, a leading diabetes and thyroid specialist in Nepal
Dr. Mahesh Dahal is a highly skilled Endocrinologist specializing in thyroid disorders, diabetes, and hormonal conditions. Known for his patient-centered approach and calm, compassionate communication, Dr. Dahal is committed to providing evidence-based care that improves long-term health and quality of life.
Book a consultation for your long-term health.