Diabetes (Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention)
A fully detailed research article on diabetes covering causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment guidelines, prevention, complications, and management strategies .
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from impaired insulin production, insulin resistance, or a combination of both. It has become one of the most widespread chronic diseases globally, affecting more than 540 million adults. According to WHO and CDC data, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, with Type 2 diabetes accounting for more than 90% of all diagnosed cases.
Types of Diabetes
1. Type 1 Diabetes – Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
2. Type 2 Diabetes – Insulin resistance followed by beta-cell dysfunction; primarily associated with lifestyle, genetics, and obesity.
3. Gestational Diabetes – Develops during pregnancy and increases long-term risk of Type 2 diabetes.
4. Secondary Diabetes – Caused by medications, pancreatic diseases, hormonal disorders, or genetic syndromes.
Causes of Diabetes
• Genetic predisposition
• Autoimmune disorders
• Obesity and high visceral fat
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor diet (high sugar, processed foods)
• Hormonal imbalance
• Chronic inflammation
• Pregnancy-related insulin resistance
Symptoms of Diabetes
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Sudden weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Delayed wound healing
• Fatigue and weakness
• Tingling or numbness in feet
• Increased appetite
Diagnosis
• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
• HbA1c test
• Random Blood Sugar test
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
• C-peptide test (differentiates Type 1 vs Type 2)
Treatment Guidelines (Modern Evidence-Based)
1. Lifestyle Changes
– Balanced low-carb diet
– Exercise (aerobic + strength training)
– Weight management
– Intermittent fasting (for some Type 2 cases)
2. Medications
– Metformin
– SGLT2 inhibitors
– GLP‑1 receptor agonists
– DPP‑4 inhibitors
– Insulin therapy
3. Monitoring
– Daily glucose checks
– HbA1c every 3 months
– CGM devices
4. Preventing Complications
– Eye exams
– Foot care
– Kidney function tests
– Heart health monitoring
Prevention
• Maintain healthy weight
• Reduce processed sugar
• Increase physical activity
• Manage stress
• Sleep 7–8 hours daily
• Annual diabetes screening
Complications
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Nephropathy
• Retinopathy
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Stroke
• Diabetic foot ulcers
Table: Comparison Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
| Feature | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Cause | Autoimmune destruction of beta cells | Insulin resistance + beta-cell dysfunction |
| Treatment | Insulin only | Lifestyle changes + medications + sometimes insulin |
| Age of Onset | Usually children/young adults | Usually adults over 40 |
Diagram: Development of Type 2 Diabetes
Poor Diet / Obesity
↓
Insulin Resistance
↓
Pancreas Overworks
↓
Beta Cell Exhaustion
↓
High Blood Glucose (Diabetes)
Recommended Products (Affiliate Friendly)
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3. **Diabetes-Friendly Cookbooks (Amazon USA/UK)**
4. **Herbal Supplements for Glucose Control**
5. **Foot Care Kits for Neuropathy Prevention**
6. **Blood Pressure Monitors** – Important for diabetic patients
References
1. World Health Organization (WHO) – Diabetes Reports
2. CDC – National Diabetes Statistics Report
3. American Diabetes Association – Treatment Guidelines
4. NHS UK – Diabetes Management