Top Diabetes Articles – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What Are Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes?

The two main types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 diabetes: In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t secrete enough insulin, a hormone involved in blood sugar that controls the conversion of sugar into energy. Diabetes type 1 has often been referred to as juvenile diabetes because it’s typically diagnosed in kids, teens, and young adults. However, it can occur in adults. ⁽³⁾
• Type 2 diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, the body can’t effectively regulate and use glucose. This may be because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or because individual cells don’t work well with the hormone, so they can’t properly absorb sugar. Although type 2 diabetes often begins in adulthood, the childhood obesity epidemic has resulted in more younger patients. Type 2 diabetes may be prevented or delayed by leading a healthy lifestyle. ⁽⁴⁾

Pregnant women may also experience gestational diabetes, which typically resolves after delivery. ⁽⁵⁾

What Causes Diabetes?

The causes of diabetes vary. Although current research isn’t definitive, type 1 diabetes likely results from an autoimmune response, which inhibits insulin production. Genetics, environmental factors, or viruses may play a role in this. ⁽⁶⁾
Underlying causes of type 2 diabetes include:

• Inactivity
• Obesity and/or excess belly fat
• Insulin resistance
• Genetics
• Genetic mutations
• Damage to the pancreas
• Hormonal diseases, such as hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome ⁽⁶⁾

Individuals in the following ethnic groups may also have an increased risk of developing diabetes:

• Hispanics
• African Americans
• Asian Americans
• Native Americans
• Native Alaskans
• Native Hawaiians
• Pacific Islanders ⁽⁶⁾

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

Although symptoms may vary by individual, signs of diabetes include:

• Dry mouth
• Fatigue or weakness
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infections
• Increased urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Slow-healing or non-healing wounds
• Increased hunger and/or thirst
• Tingling or numb extremities

Women may also experience dry, itchy skin or suffer from frequent yeast or urinary tract infections. In men, diabetes symptoms may also include erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, and reduced muscle strength.
Signs of type 1 diabetes may appear suddenly. However, symptoms of type 2 diabetes may be mild or even unnoticeable and often develop slowly. ⁽⁷⁾

Do I Have Diabetes? How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?

Physicians typically diagnose diabetes through blood work. The type of test can vary depending on whether an individual has symptoms or is pregnant. Tests may include:

• A1C tests: A1C tests measure average blood glucose levels over a 3-month span. Results appear as a percentage, with higher values representing higher blood glucose levels.
• Glucose challenge tests: If a doctor suspects gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, they may order a glucose challenge test. Individuals must drink a glucose-rich liquid and have blood drawn an hour later.
• Fasting plasma glucose tests: This test measures an individual’s blood glucose level after an 8-hour fasting period, during which the patient shouldn’t eat or drink more than a few sips of water.
• Random plasma glucose tests: If a patient has symptoms, a doctor may order a random plasma glucose test. Because the test doesn’t require a pretest fasting period, doctors can get results quickly.
• Oral glucose tolerance tests: This test can detect gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes, a condition defined by blood sugar that’s high but not elevated enough for a diabetes diagnosis. After an 8-hour fast, the patient must drink a high-sugar beverage and have blood drawn about 2 hours later. Pregnant women may have blood drawn repeatedly over several hours. ⁽⁸⁾

What Is the Best Treatment for Diabetes?

Treatment for diabetes varies depending on which type of disease is diagnosed. Those with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin shots, while patients with type 2 diabetes can often manage the disease with oral medications, such as:

• TZDs (also known as glitazones), which reduce insulin resistance
• Metformin, which inhibits the liver from converting fat or protein into sugar
• DPP-4 inhibitors, which promote insulin production
• SGL-2 inhibitors, which help the kidneys release excess glucose into the urine
• Insulin secretagogues, which stimulate insulin production and release

Doctors may also prescribe injectables, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which stimulate natural insulin production. However, individuals with type 2 diabetes may require insulin injections eventually. ⁽⁹⁾

How to Cope With a Diabetes Diagnosis

A diabetes diagnosis can be stressful and may impact mental wellness. Checking blood sugar levels, juggling medications, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may feel overwhelming. However, individuals can often effectively manage diabetes distress by following these simple guidelines:

• Let loved ones help. Friends and family can offer encouragement and help with practical aspects of diabetes management, such as providing medication reminders and preparing healthy meals.
• Take one step at a time. List daily diabetes-related tasks, such as blood sugar checks, insulin shots, and medical appointments. Then, check them off as they’re completed.
• Talk with a trusted health care advisor. Doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals can offer advice for coping and can point out community resources, such as support groups or private counseling.
• Do something enjoyable. Taking time to engage in favorite activities can take the focus off the disease and put it back on enjoying life. ⁽¹⁰⁾

How to Help Someone With Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes benefit from the support of friends and family. Help a loved one who’s been diagnosed with diabetes by:

• Learning about the disease. Understanding the disease and a loved one’s treatment plan is often the first step to becoming a better supporter and more informed advocate.
• Implementing healthy lifestyle changes for managing diabetes. Join a loved one on a morning jog, or help them cook healthier meals. Making healthier lifestyle changes can help a loved one with diabetes see they’re not alone.
• Be a cheerleader. Managing a diabetes treatment plan can be overwhelming. An encouraging environment can have a positive impact, particularly for individuals struggling with diabetes-related stress and anxiety. ⁽¹¹⁾

Most importantly, ask how to help. Everyone is different, and understanding a loved one’s unique needs may be the best way to help them maintain a high quality of life while managing diabetes.