Diabetes is a complex disease that impacts the lives of millions of people worldwide. However, diabetes is not just one single disease – it manifests in several different forms and types. Getting a solid understanding of the spectrum of diabetes types is key for both prevention and effective management.
What is Diabetes?
At its core, diabetes refers to the body’s inability to properly regulate blood sugar levels. Normally, the body aims to keep blood glucose within a tight range through the action of insulin. Insulin is the hormone released by the pancreas that allows cells throughout the body to absorb and use glucose from the bloodstream.
In diabetes, there is an imbalance in this glucose regulation system. People may not produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or their bodies can no longer use insulin effectively (type 2 diabetes), leading to consistently high blood sugar levels. Over time, this causes severe health complications if blood sugar levels are not controlled.
The Progressive Nature of Diabetes
An important concept in managing diabetes is understanding that it is a progressive disease. The underlying causes and characteristics of the main types of diabetes differ, but they generally worsen over time if preventative action and healthy blood sugar control are not implemented.
For example, in type 2 diabetes the body initially becomes less sensitive to insulin action. Over years or decades, insulin production decreases as well. Treatments and lifestyle changes must adapt accordingly. Maintaining low blood sugar levels slows progression and reduces risk of complications.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease accounting for around 5-10% of diabetes cases. With type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This destroys the body’s ability to produce insulin, the key hormone regulating blood sugar absorption and utilization.
The causes of this autoimmune reaction are not fully understood, but both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers appear to play a role. Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood, but can manifest at any age. Treatment requires lifelong insulin injections or an insulin pump. Careful blood sugar testing and control is vital.
Type 2 Diabetes
Representing 90-95% of diabetes cases, type 2 is by far the most common form. Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed in adults and occurs when the body can no longer use insulin effectively. This is called insulin resistance. Over time, insulin production also decreases.
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are major risk factors. As rates of obesity continue rising worldwide, type 2 diabetes prevalence is reaching epidemic proportions. However, even maintaining a healthy weight does not eliminate risk as genetics contribute significantly. Treatment emphasizes lifestyle optimization first before medications or insulin therapy.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy and goes away after giving birth. Hormones released in pregnancy can interfere with the body’s ability to process insulin properly, resulting in higher blood sugar levels. If untreated, both mother and baby face higher risks of complications.
After birth, blood sugar levels will return to normal for most women. However, a history of gestational diabetes significantly increases lifetime risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle interventions focusing on achieving or maintaining normal body weight are recommended to minimize this risk.
Prediabetes and Intermediate Risk
In addition to diagnosable diabetes, an intermediate stage exists known as prediabetes. People with prediabetes have chronically elevated blood sugar levels that are not high enough to meet diagnostic criteria for diabetes. However, they are already showing signs of insulin resistance.
Without making changes, most individuals with prediabetes will eventually progress to type 2 diabetes. But the onset of full blown diabetes can often be delayed or prevented through lifestyle interventions – primarily achieving a healthy body weight and staying active. Early detection through blood testing is key for risk mitigation.
Uncontrolled Diabetes: Short & Long Term Dangers
Virtually all health dangers associated with diabetes result from the downstream effects of elevated blood sugar levels, either in the short or long term. Immediately following a meal, blood glucose spikes. If insulin is lacking and cells cannot absorb enough sugar, hyperglycemia – dangerously high blood sugar – results.
In the short term, extremely elevated glucose above 250 mg/dL can rapidly lead to diabetic ketoacidosis or nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome. Both require emergency medical treatment. Symptoms include excessive thirst, nausea, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. Without quick care, coma and death can occur.
Over months and years, chronically elevated blood sugar takes a silent toll on the cardiovascular system, kidneys, nerves and eyes through inflammatory damage to vessels and organs. However, diligent blood sugar and risk factor control from diagnosis onward significantly lowers odds of developing these feared complications of diabetes.
Conclusion
While an overview of the major diabetes types demonstrates the complexity of this group of diseases, several key takeaways offer guidance for all people touched by diabetes:
- Diabetes demands attention and action, but is controllable with diligence
- Work closely with your medical team to determine the right combination of lifestyle changes, glucose monitoring and medications tailored to your type and stage of diabetes
- Small daily choices – like eating wholesome balanced meals, exercising routinely and taking medications consistently – make the biggest difference for immediate and long-term health
- Prioritize compassion for yourself and look for community.
- The strains of diabetes are shared and managed by millions worldwide
You have the power to take charge of your health one day at a time. At Keep Diabetes In Check, our goal is to provide you with the information, tools, and support you need to do just that. Reach out today to explore how we can help you live fully with diabetes or prediabetes.
