What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body has trouble regulating blood sugar (glucose). This happens when the body either does not make enough insulin, does not use insulin effectively, or both.

Main Types of Diabetes

1. Type 1 Diabetes

• Autoimmune condition; the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

• Usually appears in childhood or young adulthood.

• Requires lifelong insulin therapy.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

• The most common type.

• Body becomes insulin-resistant or doesn’t produce enough insulin.

• Often linked to genetics, lifestyle, and age.

• Managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.

3. Gestational Diabetes

• Occurs during pregnancy.

• Usually resolves after birth but increases risk of future Type 2 diabetes.

4. Prediabetes

• Blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet Type 2.

• Preventable and reversible through lifestyle changes.

Common Symptoms

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Slow-healing wounds

• Tingling or numbness in hands/feet

(If someone already has diabetes, symptoms of high or low blood sugar can also occur.)

Complications (when poorly managed)

• Heart disease

• Kidney damage

• Nerve damage

• Vision loss

• Poor wound healing / foot problems

• Increased infection risk