Diabetes: Overview, Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Overview

• Diabetes is a chronic condition with high blood sugar (glucose) levels due to insufficient insulin production or improper insulin use.
• Forms of Diabetes: Type 2 (most common), Type 1, Prediabetes, Gestational, Type 3c, LADA, MODY, Neonatal, Brittled Diabetes.
• Glucose Source: Comes primarily from carbohydrates; insulin is needed for glucose to enter cells.
• Effects: Consistently high glucose can result in heart disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 2 Diabetes: Insufficient insulin and resistance to its effects; affects mainly adults.
• Prediabetes: Higher than normal glucose levels but not high enough for Type 2 diagnosis.
• Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells; often diagnosed in children/young adults.
• Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy; increases risk of Type 2 later.
• Other Types: Include Type 3c, LADA, MODY, Neonatal, and Brittle Diabetes.

Prevalence

• United States: ~37.3 million people (11% of population).
• Worldwide: ~537 million adults, expected to rise.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

• Increased thirst and urination, fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss, numbness, slow-healing sores.
• Type 1: Rapid onset, potential for ketoacidosis.
• Type 2/Prediabetes: Often asymptomatic initially.
• Gestational: Typically symptomless but screened during pregnancy.

Causes

• Insulin Resistance: Common in Type 2, influenced by obesity, inactivity, and diet.
• Autoimmune: Type 1 and LADA, immune system attacks insulin cells.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Gestational diabetes and other hormonal conditions.
• Pancreatic Damage: Affects insulin production, causing Type 3c.
• Genetic Mutations: Cause MODY and neonatal diabetes.

Complications

Acute

• Hyperglycemic State, Ketoacidosis, Hypoglycemia: Require immediate treatment.

Long-term

• Cardiovascular Issues: Heart disease, stroke.
• Other: Neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, infections, amputations.

Diagnosis and Tests

• Tests: Fasting blood glucose, Random blood glucose, A1c, Oral glucose tolerance (gestational).
• Diagnosis Levels: Specific glucose levels indicate prediabetes and diabetes.

Management and Treatment

• Blood Sugar Monitoring: Essential for management.
• Medications: Oral meds for Type 2, Insulin for Type 1 and some Type 2.
• Diet and Exercise: Key for controlling blood sugar and reducing risks.
• Heart Health: Maintain healthy weight, control blood pressure and cholesterol.

Prevention

• Preventable Forms: Lifestyle changes can reduce risk for Type 2, Prediabetes, Gestational.
• Non-preventable: Autoimmune and genetic forms.

Outlook and Living With Diabetes

• Prognosis: Varies based on management and type.
• Living Healthy: Possible with lifestyle adjustments and regular monitoring.
• Support: Regular healthcare, support networks crucial.

Cleveland Clinic Services

• Offers specialized diabetes care, appointments, and educational resources.