According to a report from International Diabetes Federation published in 2021, approximately 537 million adults (20 – 79 years old) are living with diabetes. In other words, one in ten (10.5%) adults around the world are living with diabetes.
Moreover, the average age of onset for type 2 diabetes is decreasing. This suggests that diabetes is now not only a condition affecting older adults but rather a concern pertinent to individuals of all ages.
Today, we will talk about the definition, causes, types, and other relevant information about diabetes.
Table of Content
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that develops when there is an excessive amount of sugar, also known as glucose, in your blood.
The normal range of blood sugar levels is between 70 and 140 mg/dL (3.9 – 7.8 mmol/L), with levels ideally not over 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L). Diabetes is diagnosed when an individual’s fasting blood sugar level is ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or when the result of a oral glucose tolerance test is ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L).
Over time, the sugar built up in your bloodstream can cause other serious health problems including vision loss, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease.
What Are the Causes of Diabetes? The Relationship Between Diabetes and Insulin
The β cells of pancreas are responsible for producing insulin, which lets the sugar in your bloodstream into cells for utilization and storage. Without the effects of insulin, glucose will not be able to enter cells properly, resulting in a build-up of glucose in the bloodstream.
If the blood sugar levels continue to rise, eventually the individual will have diabetes. There are two main reasons behind this, namely insulin resistance and insulin deficiency.
Insulin Deficiency
Many older adults develop diabetes when their pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin as a result of aging. Some younger individuals have diabetes because their beta cells are destroyed by T cells of the immune system, resulting in inability to produce insulin. These patients need to inject insulin on a daily basis in order to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Insulin Resistance
Physical inactivity and nutritional imbalance can both lead to insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity. Your body will not respond to insulin as it should; therefore, the glucose in your blood cannot enter the cells.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
In the early stages of diabetes, the symptoms are often mild and may even go unnoticed. Here are some common symptoms after developing diabetes:
- Increased thirst, appetite accompanied by unexplained weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Slow-healing cuts
- Recurrent urinary tract infection
It’s therefore important to have regular health checkups in order to undergo early treatments that can decrease the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Criteria for Diagnosis of Diabetes
There are four criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes.
- HbA1c ≥ 6.5%
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 126mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L)
- 2-hour plasma glucose≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
- Random plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) in a patient with classic symptoms of diabetes (e.g., excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss)
For a diagnosis of diabetes to be made, the first two criteria need to be met in two separate test samples or the last criterion is met once.
Criteria for Diagnosis of Diabetes
| Criterion | Non-diabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | < 5.6% | ≥ 6.5% |
| Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) | < 100 mg/dL < 5.6 mmol/L |
≥ 126 mg/dL ≥ 7.0 mmol/L |
| 2-hour plasma glucose | < 140 mg/dL < 7.8 mmol/L |
≥ 200 mg/dL ≥ 11.1 mmol/L |
| Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) | ≥ 200 mg/dL ≥ 11.1 mmol/L with common symptoms of diabetes |
Note: First three criteria require two abnormal results, or two of them met simultaneously.
The fourth requires only one to confirm a diabetes diagnosis.
If the blood sugar levels fall between the normal range and the criteria for diagnosis of diabetes, an individual can be considered pre-diabetic. During this stage, adopting healthier lifestyle changes such as dietary management, regular exercise, and weight control can potentially restore blood sugar levels to normal.
What Are the Different Types of Diabetes?
Diabetes can be categorized into four groups based on different causes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes falls under the category of autoimmune diseases. The immune system acts against the pancreatic β cells, leading to the pancreas’ inability to secrete insulin.
Lifelong insulin injections are necessary for individuals with type 1 diabetes to stabilize their blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children, teens, or younger adults but it can occur at any age.
Type 2 Diabetes
According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Apart from genetics, the primary causes of type 2 diabetes are lifestyle factors like irregular daily routines, unhealthy diets, and being overweight.
Although the average age at diagnosis of diabetes is around 60 years, there’s a growing trend of younger individuals being diagnosed with diabetes in recent years.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes refers to unusually high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes that can lead to insulin resistance. In most cases, blood sugar levels return to normal after childbirth; however, the risk of developing diabetes in the next 5 to 10 years is higher by approximately 50%. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor one’s health and undergo regular check-ups.
Other Types of Diabetes
Other types of diabetes are caused by various factors including mutations in genes, pancreatic diseases, endocrine disorders, or the effects of medications.
If you want to determine what type of diabetes you have, in addition to basic tests, you can measure the concentration of “C-Peptide,” a byproduct of insulin secretion. By combining this with the results of a glucose of glucose stimulation test and kidney function indicators, you can preliminarily assess whether you have type 1, type 2, or another type.
Can Diabetes Be Prevented? Prevention Tips for Different Types
If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes, you might wonder: Can diabetes be cured?
Firstly, investigate the underlying causes of your blood sugar imbalance to determine if restoring it to the normal levels is possible. In the case of type 1 diabetes, damage to the pancreas is irreversible, so currently, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes.
For other types such as gestational diabetes, if you can manage the acute phase of pancreatitis, or the period of hormonal changes during pregnancy, there may still be a chance to restore blood sugar back to normal levels.
Once you understand the causes of your diabetes, start planning your recovery goals. Since everyone defines “recovery” differently, it’s important to set specific goals and follow through to achieve them.
Common Ways to Treat Diabetes
Individuals with type 1 diabetes typically rely on insulin therapy. On the other hand, those with type 2 diabetes can choose between oral medications or insulin therapy, depending on individual conditions. For most cases of gestational diabetes, dietary adjustments are enough to improve the condition.
Diabetes Prevention: Tips to Prevent Type 1 & 2 Diabetes
There are many causes of diabetes, and not every type can be prevented. However, you can decrease the risk of having the following two types of diabetes through lifestyle changes.
How to Lower the Risk of Type 1 Diabetes
Although type 1 diabetes is primarily related to genetic autoimmune factors and is more difficult to prevent, studies suggest that the following practices for infants may help reduce the risk:
- Breastfeeding for at least 6 months
- Introducing solid foods, such as rice cereal or wheat, after 4-6 months
- Ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D and unsaturated fats
How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Since the causes of type 2 diabetes are more related to lifestyle choices, it’s possible to prevent and improve the condition by focusing on the following aspects:
Weight Management
Obesity is the primary cause of insulin resistance. Reducing weight by 5 – 7% through dietary adjustments and exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Balanced Diet
Maintaining a balanced diet from the six main food groups ensures essential nutrient intake. During the pre-diabetes stage, reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing the consumption of protein and vegetables can help meet daily nutritional needs and regulate blood sugar levels.
Regular Exercise
It’s recommended to engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week. Physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and boost your resting metabolic rate. In other words, your body will become more efficient at burning calories and lower your risk of obesity and diabetes.
Limit Refined Sugar Intake
The World Health Organization recommends that both adults and children should limit their daily intake of free sugars (including refined sugar) to less than 10% of total energy intake. Refined sugars are found in a variety of sources, including sugary beverages, candy, and desserts.
The American Heart Association suggests that women limit their daily refined sugar intake to 100 calories. For men, it’s 150 calories per day. This is because refined sugars are quickly converted into simple sugars, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Over time, these spikes can lead to serious chronic diseases and damage to the body’s organs.
Hydration
Hydration is important for overall health. It helps maintain bodily functions and reduces the consumption of sugary drinks. It’s recommended to calculate daily water intake by multiplying your body weight by 30 – 35 cc.
Common Diabetes Health Complications
Poor blood sugar control will increase the chances of having diabetes-related complications, which not only affect the quality of life but also pose life-threatening risks. Below are some common acute and chronic complications of diabetes.
Acute Complications of Diabetes
- Hypoglycemia
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome
Chronic Complications of Diabetes
- Retinopathy
- Nephropathy
- Neuropathy
- Foot complications
- Cardiovascular complications
- Cerebrovascular complications
- Peripheral arterial disease
Diabetes Daily Care
While being diagnosed with diabetes can initially seem daunting, the key challenge is not the condition itself, but the inadequate control of blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious complications that affect your quality of life. Here are some daily tips and reminders:
- Self-monitor blood glucose (SMBG) and keep records.
- Maintain a balanced diet to ensure intake of all essential nutrients.
- Engage in physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Attend follow-up appointments and adhere to the treatment plan created by your healthcare team
- Have regular check-ups for complications, including retinal examinations, peripheral vascular exams, and neurological assessments.
For those without diabetes, it is a good idea to examine your lifestyle and make adjustments to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. For those who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, follow your doctor’s medication instructions and adopt healthy lifestyle changes to gradually learn ways to live well with diabetes.
Download Health2Sync now to easily record and monitor your blood sugar levels. With simple charts and graphs, you can visualize your data, making diabetes management easier and more effortless.
