Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting how your body processes glucose. There are two main types: Type 1, an autoimmune disorder, and Type 2, characterized by insulin resistance. Both types lead to high blood sugar levels, causing various symptoms.

Diagnosis involves blood tests like fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance, and A1C. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and diagnostic methods is crucial for managing diabetes effectively and preventing complications. Early detection and proper treatment can significantly improve quality of life.

Overview of Diabetes

Type 1 vs Type 2 diabetes mechanisms

• Type 1 diabetes
  • Autoimmune disorder destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas resulting in little or no insulin production
  • Patients require exogenous insulin (injections or pump) to manage blood glucose levels
• Type 2 diabetes
  • Characterized by insulin resistance where cells become less responsive to insulin leading to hyperglycemia
  • Pancreas may produce insufficient insulin to overcome resistance
  • Often associated with obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic factors
  • Managed with lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), oral medications (metformin), and sometimes insulin

Common signs and symptoms of diabetes

• Polyuria increased urination due to excess glucose in the blood being excreted by the kidneys
• Polydipsia increased thirst caused by fluid loss from frequent urination
• Polyphagia increased hunger resulting from inability of cells to utilize glucose effectively
• Unexplained weight loss due to breakdown of fat and muscle tissue for energy
• Fatigue and weakness caused by inefficient glucose utilization by cells
• Blurred vision as high blood glucose can cause fluid shifts in the eye affecting lens shape
• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections (UTIs, yeast infections) as elevated blood glucose impairs immune function and wound healing

Causes and Diagnosis of Diabetes

Causes of diabetes and diagnostic tests

• Causes of diabetes
  • Type 1 diabetes
    • Genetic predisposition and environmental triggers like viral infections
    • Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
  • Type 2 diabetes
    • Combination of genetic and lifestyle factors
    • Obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet contribute to insulin resistance and/or decreased insulin production
• Diagnostic tests for diabetes
  • Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test measures blood glucose after an 8-hour fast, diabetes diagnosed at FPG ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L)
  • Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures blood glucose before and 2 hours after consuming a 75g glucose drink, diabetes diagnosed at 2-hour post-load glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
  • Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test reflects average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months, diabetes diagnosed at A1C ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol)
  • Random plasma glucose test measures blood glucose at any time of day, diabetes diagnosed at random glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) with classic symptoms (polyuria, polydipsia, unexplained weight loss)