Overview
The number of people around the world suffering from Diabetes has skyrocketed in the last two decades, from 30 million to 230 million, claiming millions of lives and severely taxing the ability of health care systemsto deal with the epidemic, according to data released Saturday by the International Diabetes Federation.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which your body cannot properly store and use fuel for energy. The fuel that your body needs is called glucose, a form of sugar. Glucose comes from foods such as breads, cereals, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruits and some vegetables. To use glucose, your body needs insulin. Insulin is made by a gland in your body called the pancreas. There are three types of Diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational Diabetes. Gestational Diabetes only occurs during pregnancy.
Key Information
Types of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous clinical disorder with numerous causes. Two main classifications of Diabetes mellitus exist, idiopathic and secondary.
Idiopathic Diabetes is divided into two main types; insulin dependent and non-insulin-depenedent. Insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus, IDDM (Type 1) is defined by the development of ketoacidosis in the absence of insulin therapy. Type 1 Diabetes most often manifests in childhood (hence also called juvenile onset Diabetes) and is the result of an autoimmune destruction of the b-cells of the pancreas. Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus, NIDDM (Type 2) is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia but rarely leads to ketoacidosis. Type 2 Diabetes generally manifests after age 40 and therefore has the obsolete name of adult onset-type Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes can result from genetics defects that cause both insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. There are two main forms of type 2 Diabetes:
What You Need to Know
- Late onset associated with obesity.
- Late onset not associated with obesity.
Sample meal plan
Choose foods you like and which satisfy you, and include carbohydrate foods in each meal or snack to help manage blood glucose levels. You can eat your main meal at lunch or dinner.
Get help immediately if Diabetes symptoms occur
Occasionally, the onset of Diabetes - particularly Type 1 - can be abrupt. It can lead to a condition called 'keto acidosis', which is a medical emergency. The symptoms of this condition are loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, excessive passing of urine, altered consciousness and, finally, coma. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how is it managed?
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly. Management involves a combination of medication, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring. Type 1 requires insulin therapy, while Type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes plus oral medications or insulin.
❓ Can lifestyle changes reverse Type 2 diabetes?
For many people, significant weight loss, a low-carbohydrate diet, and regular exercise can put Type 2 diabetes into remission - meaning blood sugar returns to normal without medication. This is not a cure, but sustained lifestyle change can dramatically improve outcomes and delay complications.
❓ What foods should people with diabetes limit?
People with diabetes benefit from limiting refined sugars, white bread, sugary drinks, processed foods, and high-glycaemic-index carbohydrates. Focus instead on non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Portion control and consistent meal timing are equally important.
❓ How often should blood sugar be checked?
Frequency depends on type and treatment. Those on insulin may check 4-10 times daily. Those managing with diet or oral medication might check once or twice daily, or less. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) provides real-time data without finger-prick testing. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
❓ When should someone see a doctor about diabetes?
See a doctor if you experience unexplained thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, or persistent fatigue. Those already diagnosed should have check-ups every 3-6 months for HbA1c, blood pressure, kidney function, eye exams, and foot checks.