Health & Wellness
Diabetes: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Tests, Treatment and Prevention
Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges in the world today. With millions of new cases being reported every year, the condition is no longer seen as a “lifestyle disease” affecting only the elderly—it is increasingly striking younger people, including teenagers and even children. From the early warning signs to the best diagnostic tests, daily diet tips, treatment options, and prevention strategies, this article provides a comprehensive guide, enriched with doctor insights, to help you understand and manage blood sugar effectively.
What is Diabetes?
At its core, diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells for energy. When this process malfunctions, sugar remains in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
Over time, this excess sugar acts like a slow poison, damaging vital organs including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. That’s why doctors emphasize not just controlling diabetes but also early diagnosis and lifestyle management.
[Reviewed by Dr. Ashok Kumar Jhingan, Senior Director, Centre for Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity & Endocrinology, BLK-MAX Super Speciality Hospital.]
Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes
- An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells.
- Usually diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults.
- Requires lifelong insulin therapy for survival.
- Type 2 Diabetes
- The most common type, often linked with obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet, and genetics.
- Once considered an “adult-onset” disease, it is now increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents.
- Can often be managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.
- Gestational Diabetes
- Occurs only during pregnancy when hormonal changes interfere with insulin function.
- Usually disappears after childbirth but increases the future risk of Type 2 diabetes for both mother and child.
Diabetes in India and Worldwide
- India has earned the unfortunate title of being the “diabetes capital of the world.”
- According to the ICMR-INDIAB study, around 11.4% of Indians now have diabetes, with urban areas reporting 17.2% prevalence and rural areas 9.4%.
- Globally, India is home to 212 million diabetics, more than any other country.
The rapid rise of diabetes in both urban and rural India is a warning sign. Factors such as fast food consumption, sedentary jobs, stress, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition are fueling this epidemic.
Why Diabetes is Rising in Young People
- Youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes is becoming alarmingly common.
- In the STRiDE-I study (South India), diabetes in young adults rose from 4.5% to 7.8% in just 10 years.
- Children with Type 1 Diabetes are also on the rise, with nearly 95,600 Indian children under 14 currently living with it.
Why this matters:
- Early diabetes means longer disease burden—living with the condition for decades.
- Complications show up sooner—heart, kidney, and nerve problems appear earlier.
- It places a financial and emotional strain on families.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Diabetes develops quietly, often without dramatic symptoms at first. That’s why it is sometimes called a “silent disease.” But the body usually gives some warning signals.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Excessive thirst
- Constant fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
Silent or lesser-known symptoms:
- Slow healing wounds
- Frequent infections (UTIs, skin, yeast infections in women)
- Tingling or numbness in hands/feet (early neuropathy)
- Mood changes, depression, or unusual irritability
- Excessive sleepiness or confusion in elderly
Causes and Risk Factors
- Genetic factors – family history raises the risk.
- Lifestyle habits – poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol.
- Obesity & Insulin Resistance – excess belly fat worsens insulin response.
- Stress & Poor Sleep – both disrupt hormone balance and sugar control.
Complications of Untreated Diabetes
If left uncontrolled, diabetes can cause life-threatening complications:
- Eye problems (diabetic retinopathy → blindness)
- Kidney damage (leading to dialysis or transplant)
- Heart disease (stroke, heart attacks)
- Nerve damage (neuropathy, amputations)
Diagnosis and Tests
Doctors use blood tests to confirm diabetes:
- Fasting Blood Sugar (≥126 mg/dl)
- HbA1c Test (≥6.5%) → shows 3-month sugar average
- Random Blood Sugar (>200 mg/dl with symptoms)
💰 In India, these tests are affordable and widely available (Rs. 100–800).
Diabetes in Women
Women often face unique challenges:
- Link between PCOS and diabetes → insulin resistance makes women with PCOS more prone.
- Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy → risks for both mother and baby.
- Unique symptoms like frequent UTIs, vaginal infections, sexual discomfort, irregular cycles.
Can Diabetes Be Cured?
- Type 1: No cure, lifelong insulin required.
- Type 2: No permanent cure, but remission is possible with weight loss, diet, and lifestyle changes.
- Gestational: Usually resolves post-pregnancy, but needs monitoring.
Diet and Foods to Avoid
- ❌ Refined sugar, white rice, fried snacks, sugary drinks.
- ✅ Whole grains, lentils, vegetables, fruits (in moderation), nuts, seeds, and high-fiber foods.
Complementary Care: Ayurveda & Home Remedies
🌿 Some natural remedies may support sugar control:
- Fenugreek seeds (Methi) – improve insulin use.
- Cinnamon (Dalchini) – boosts insulin sensitivity.
- Jamun fruit/seed – slows sugar absorption.
- Giloy (Guduchi) – reduces inflammation, supports immunity.
⚠️ These are not substitutes for medical treatment. Always consult your doctor.
Prevention Tips
- Maintain a healthy weight (even 5–7% weight loss helps).
- Exercise regularly (30 mins brisk walk daily).
- Eat balanced, fiber-rich meals.
- Get annual health checkups, especially if you have family history.
- Manage stress & sleep better.
Living Well with Diabetes
Having diabetes doesn’t mean giving up on a full, happy life. Many celebrities openly manage their diabetes—like Nick Jonas, Sonam Kapoor, and Tom Hanks—while inspiring others.
💡 Key to long-term success:
- Build sustainable habits, not short-term diets.
- Monitor sugar regularly.
- Stay in touch with doctors.
- Prioritize mental health and joy.
Final Word
Diabetes is not just about sugar—it’s about your entire lifestyle. With early diagnosis, timely treatment, and mindful daily choices, you can prevent complications and live a long, healthy, active life. Think of managing diabetes not as a restriction, but as an opportunity to take better care of yourself—today and for the years ahead.