What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). The most common form, type 2 diabetes, develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. Other types include gestational diabetes during pregnancy and pre-diabetes, a stage where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet at diabetic levels.

What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of diabetes is important for early diagnosis. These may include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and slow-healing wounds.

What are the causes and risk factors of diabetes?

There are multiple causes of diabetes, including genetic factors, lifestyle habits and other health conditions. Poor diet, lack of exercise and obesity are strongly linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. Women with pregnancy diabetes (gestational diabetes) are also at greater risk of developing type 2 later in life.

How is diabetes treated and managed?

A diabetes test, such as fasting glucose, diabetes A1C or oral glucose tolerance, can confirm the diagnosis.

Effective treatment of diabetes may involve a combination of medication, healthy diet, exercise and careful management of blood sugar levels.

For some diabetic patients, insulin therapy is necessary. Others may benefit from oral medications, lifestyle adjustments or both. Managing pre-diabetes with lifestyle changes can often prevent progression to full diabetes.

How to live well with diabetes?

With the right management, people with diabetes can lead full, healthy lives. Following a balanced diet, monitoring blood sugar regularly, taking medications as prescribed and working with healthcare providers are all key to long-term success.