Understanding Diabetes: What You Need to Know

Written by: Keya Gambhir

Have you ever wondered how your body gets energy from the food you eat? Every time you enjoy a sandwich, apple, or bowl of pasta, your body turns much of that food into a type of sugar called glucose. Glucose gives your body the energy it needs to learn, play sports, dance, and do everyday activities.

To move glucose from your blood into your cells, your body uses a hormone called insulin. Insulin is made by an organ called the pancreas. But for millions of people around the world, this process does not work properly. This condition is called diabetes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people living with diabetes has increased dramatically over the past few decades. In 2022, about 830 million people worldwide were living with diabetes.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood sugar levels to become too high. This happens when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin correctly.

When glucose stays in the bloodstream instead of moving into the body's cells, it can lead to serious health problems over time. Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes happens when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive.

Doctors do not yet know exactly what causes Type 1 diabetes, and there is currently no known way to prevent it.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. More than 95% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.

With Type 2 diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Factors that can increase the risk include being overweight, not getting enough physical activity, and genetics.

The good news is that Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through healthy lifestyle habits.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. Although it usually goes away after the baby is born, both the mother and child may have a higher chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Signs and Symptoms

Diabetes symptoms can be different for each person. Some common signs include:

• Feeling very thirsty

• Needing to use the bathroom more often

• Feeling tired

• Blurry vision

• Losing weight without trying

Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop slowly and may not be noticed right away. This is one reason regular checkups with a doctor are important.

Why Is Diabetes Serious?

If diabetes is not managed properly, it can cause damage throughout the body. High blood sugar levels over a long period of time can harm blood vessels and nerves.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Kidney disease

• Vision problems and blindness

• Nerve damage

• Foot injuries that can become serious

Because of these risks, doctors encourage people with diabetes to carefully monitor and manage their condition.

Can Diabetes Be Prevented?

Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented. However, many cases of Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through healthy habits.

Experts recommend:

• Staying physically active

• Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Maintaining a healthy body weight

• Avoiding tobacco products

The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week for adults. While kids have different activity recommendations, staying active through sports, dancing, biking, or outdoor play is a great way to support overall health.

Living with Diabetes

Although diabetes is a serious condition, many people live healthy and active lives with it. Treatment may include healthy eating, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, medication, or insulin injections.

Scientists and doctors continue to study diabetes and search for better treatments. Organizations around the world are working to improve prevention, education, and care so that more people can manage diabetes successfully.

Understanding how diabetes affects the body can help all of us make healthier choices and support friends or family members who may be living with this condition.