Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions worldwide, yet many people do not fully understand what it means or how it affects the body. Understanding the basics can help you take better care of yourself or support someone you know.
With millions affected globally, diabetes has become a major public health concern. However, the right knowledge, support, and lifestyle habits help manage it effectively. In this blog, we will break down what diabetes is, why it occurs, the symptoms to watch for, and the different types and treatment options available.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when your blood sugar (glucose), your body’s primary energy source, becomes too high. It develops because your body either does not produce enough or any insulin, or cannot use the insulin it produces effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate the levels of glucose in your bloodstream.
Consistently high blood sugar levels over time can lead to health problems like heart disease, nerve damage, and eye problems.
Diabetes affects individuals of all ages. Most types of diabetes are chronic (life-long). All forms of diabetes are manageable with medicine and/or lifestyle modifications.
What Causes Blood Sugar to Rise?
Glucose (sugar) mainly comes from carbohydrates in food and beverages. Your body uses it as its chief source of energy. When you eat, your body converts carbohydrates into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. As your blood sugar rises, the pancreas senses this increase and releases insulin to help move glucose from the blood into your cells for energy or storage. This helps to keep blood sugar from rising too high.
If your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or your body does not use it correctly, glucose accumulates in your bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
What are the Types of Diabetes?
There are various forms of diabetes. The following are the most common types:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness in which your immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas for unclear reasons. The exact reason for this attack is unknown. It often develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. People with Type 1 diabetes require daily insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when your body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to insulin, resulting in sugar accumulation in your bloodstream. About 90% to 95% of individuals with diabetes have type 2, making it the most common type [1]. Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to lifestyle factors, but can also be due to genetics. While this condition primarily affects adults, it can also occur in children.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs in some pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. Your unborn child may be more susceptible to health issues if you have gestational diabetes. Usually, gestational diabetes disappears after pregnancy. However, it raises your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the type of diabetes. Type 2 and gestational diabetes symptoms typically develop gradually and may be so mild that they go unnoticed for a long time. On the other hand, type 1 diabetes symptoms usually occur quickly, frequently over a few weeks or months, and are more severe.
Common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst and dry mouth
- Frequent urination, often at night
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Very dry skin
- Increased hunger
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- More than usual infections
Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes may experience nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are the same as the common symptoms mentioned above. Type 2 diabetes symptoms might take years to manifest. Some individuals experience no symptoms at all. Type 2 diabetes typically develops in adults; however, it is becoming more common in adolescents and teenagers. Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be hard to identify, so it’s essential to understand the risk factors.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes typically has no symptoms. Your doctor will test you for it between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If needed, consider adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise to protect your health and your child’s well-being. Your doctor may recommend medication if those adjustments are insufficient to control your blood sugar.
What are the Causes of Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly produce or use insulin. While the underlying causes of diabetes vary by type, several essential factors contribute to its development.
Genetic Factors
Some genes increase the likelihood of developing autoimmune reactions in Type 1 diabetes or insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes. Having a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, with diabetes also raises the chances of developing the condition.
Autoimmune Response (Type 1 Diabetes)
In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin production. Although the exact cause is unclear, a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers, such as viral infections, may initiate this autoimmune process.
Insulin Resistance (Type 2 Diabetes)
Type 2 diabetes often begins with insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. To compensate, the pancreas works harder to produce more insulin. Over time, this strain reduces its ability to function, leading to high blood sugar levels. Factors such as excess body fat, limited physical activity, and genetics influence insulin resistance.
Hormonal Changes during Pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes)
During pregnancy, the body produces hormones that naturally increase insulin resistance in cells. While most women can adjust by producing more insulin, some can’t meet this increased demand. Consequently, elevated blood sugar levels result in gestational diabetes.
Lifestyle Factors (Mainly Type 2 Diabetes)
Lifestyle choices can significantly impact the development of Type 2 diabetes. Diets high in processed foods and sugar, lack of regular physical activity, and excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, can all contribute to insulin resistance. Poor sleep and chronic stress may also interfere with the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
Environmental Factors
Certain viral infections are linked to triggering autoimmune reactions in Type 1 diabetes. Other factors, such as early-life nutrition, gut microbiome differences, and exposure to chemicals or pollutants, are being studied for their potential impact.
What are the Risk Factors?
Risk Factors of Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune reaction causes type 1 diabetes. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. Some known risk factors are:
- Family history: having a parent or a sibling with type 1 diabetes
- Genetics: having certain gene markers
- Age: usually develops in children, teens, or young adults, but may develop at any age
- Autoimmune factors: having autoimmune disorders may increase the risk
- Environmental triggers: exposure to certain viruses (like enteroviruses), early childhood infections, or environmental factors
- Geography: living further from the equator
Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes
The following factors increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
- Overweight or obesity: excess body fat, especially around the abdomen
- Physical inactivity: being physically active fewer than three times a week
- Prediabetes: higher-than-normal blood sugar levels can often progress to type 2 diabetes if left untreated
- Family History and genetics: having a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes
- Age: 45 years or older
- Unhealthy eating habits: especially diets high in processed foods, refined carbs, and sugary drinks
- Smoking: worsens insulin resistance
- Poor sleep and stress: can negatively affect blood sugar regulation
- Race and ethnicity: higher risk in South Asian (Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi), Black Africans, African Caribbean, Hispanic/Latino, African American, and Pacific Islander communities
- Gestational diabetes history – increases type 2 diabetes risk in women
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – linked to insulin resistance in women
- High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol
- Cardiovascular disease or metabolic syndrome
Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes
The following factors may contribute to an increased risk of gestational diabetes:
- Overweight or obesity – excess body weight before pregnancy
- Previous gestational diabetes – having had gestational diabetes in a past pregnancy
- Family History of diabetes – having a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes
- Maternal age – more than 25 years
- Previous delivery of a large baby – have given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds
- Prediabetes – higher-than-normal blood sugar before pregnancy increases risk
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – linked to insulin resistance in women
- Race and ethnicity – Higher risk among African American, Hispanic/Latina, Native American, South Asian, East Asian, and Pacific Islander women
What are the Complications of Diabetes?
Diabetes complications develop over time. The longer you have diabetes and the less well your blood sugar is regulated, the more likely you are to have complications.
Long-term high blood glucose levels can harm your body’s cells and organs, mostly by damaging the blood vessels and nerves that support your body’s tissues.
Diabetes complications can eventually become disabling or even fatal. The following are some of the possible complications:
- Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease
- Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), which can lead to numbness, tingling or pain
- Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy), which can lead to kidney failure
- Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy), which can lead to blindness
- Foot damage (diabetes-related foot conditions)
- Amputations
- Skin and mouth conditions (such as bacterial and fungal infections)
- Hearing impairment
- Oral health issues, such as gum disease
- Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression related to diabetes
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals use a blood test to determine your glucose level to diagnose diabetes. The following are tests for diagnosing diabetes:
- Hemoglobin A1c: This test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months. It does not require fasting.
- Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: This test requires fasting for at least eight hours.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): After fasting overnight, you drink a sugary drink, and your blood sugar is measured two hours later.
- Random Plasma Glucose Test: This test measures blood sugar at any time of the day, without fasting.
Diabetes Diagnostic Criteria (American Diabetes Association)
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) provides specific blood sugar thresholds to diagnose diabetes [2,3].
I. A1C Test
- Normal: less than 5.7%
- Prediabetes: A1C 5.7%–6.4%
- Diabetes: A1C 6.5% or higher
II. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test
- Normal: less than 100 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher after 8 hours of fasting
III. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
- Normal: less than 140 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 140–199 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher 2 hours after drinking a 75-gram glucose drink
IV. Random Plasma Glucose Test
- Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher plus symptoms of high blood sugar
Important Considerations
- Unless blood sugar is extremely high or accompanied by clear symptoms, a second test is usually required to confirm the diagnosis.
- These criteria apply to adults, including pregnant women (with some adjustments for gestational diabetes screening).
How is Diabetes Managed?
Since diabetes is a complex condition, managing it requires several strategies. Management is highly personalized.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Regular monitoring using a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is essential.
Oral Diabetes Medications
Commonly used in Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Metformin is the most popular.
Insulin
Required for all Type 1 and some Type 2 patients. Delivered via injections, pens, pumps, or inhaled form.
Diet
Healthy eating and carbohydrate counting are key, especially for insulin users.
Lifestyle Changes
Regular physical activity, weight management, and controlling cholesterol/blood pressure are critical.
How can I Prevent Diabetes?
You cannot prevent Type 1 or gestational diabetes completely, but you can significantly lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes by:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Engaging in physical activity (30 minutes a day, at least five days a week)
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing your stress
- Getting adequate sleep (7 to 9 hours)
- Quitting smoking
- Taking medications as directed by your doctor
Key Takeaways
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar for energy. Early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and proper medical care can help manage it effectively and prevent complications.
Diabetes Monitoring and Preventive Screening at Chughtai Lab
Managing diabetes effectively starts with regular monitoring and early detection. Chughtai Lab offers comprehensive diabetes screening including A1C, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), and Random Plasma Glucose tests.
Our accurate diagnostics and expert guidance help you stay in control of your health.
References
- Diabetes Basics. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/index.html
- ElSayed, N.A., et al., 2025. Diabetes Care, 48(Supplement_1):S27–S49.
- Diabetes Diagnosis. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/diagnosis
- Symptoms of Diabetes. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/signs-symptoms/index.html
- Diabetes Risk Factors. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risk-factors/index.html
- Couper, J.J., 2001. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 37(3), pp.218-220.
- Ruiz-Grao, M.C., et al., 2024. Pediatric Diabetes, 2024(1), p.2338922.
- Ethnicity and Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/…
- Diabetes. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/…
- Diabetes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/…
- Everything You Need to Know About Diabetes. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes
