Author – Phoebe Chan – BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Human Health
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a complicated condition which causes a rise in blood glucose levels. This can be caused by the body not producing enough insulin, the insulin it produces isn’t effective, or the body can’t product any insulin at all (1). Hyperglycaemia is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time can lead to serious damage to the body, especially the nerves and blood vessels (2).
Types of Diabetes
There are many types of diabetes, however here are the main three types:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is where your blood glucose level is too high because the body cannot make insulin. This is as a result of the body attacking cells in the pancreas that make insulin, meaning the body can’t produce any at all. It is often diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age (2). In 2017, there were 9 million people with type 1 diabetes. It is still unsure exactly what causes the disease and how to prevent it (3).
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects how the body uses glucose for energy. It prevents the body from using insulin properly, which can lead to high levels of blood sugar if not treated. High blood sugar levels over time can cause other health problems such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. Contributing factors include being overweight, not getting enough exercise and genetics. Symptoms can be mild, therefore may take several years to be noticed. More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes (3). Type 2 diabetes is more likely to occur if you are overweight or obese, and a family history of the disease (4).
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and most of the time will go away once the baby is born. Women with this type of diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. They are also at a higher risk of developing it in the future (4). If the diabetes continues after the baby has been born, it may indicate type 2 diabetes or another form of glucose intolerance that existed before pregnancy.
Symptoms
Type 1 diabetes
The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes are:
- Peeing more than usual
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight quickly without trying to
Other symptoms include: blurred vision, cuts and wound taking longer to heal and getting frequent infections.
The symptoms usually develop quickly, over a few days or weeks. It usually starts in childhood, but can happen at any age (7).
Type 2 diabetes
Individuals with type 2 diabetes will usually experience the same symptoms as individuals with type 1 diabetes. The main difference is that people with type 2 diabetes may not have symptoms for many years, and their symptoms often develop over a long period of time. Some people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all and don’t discover they have the condition until complications arise (8).
What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes develops when the body’s immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, called beta cells. Genes and factors in the environment such as where people live, play, work, study and gather may trigger the immune system to destroy beta cells. In addition, when the body doesn’t have enough insulin, glucose in the blood can’t get into the cells. As a result, the cells lack energy, blood glucose rises and diabetes develops (5). It is thought that family history can increase the risk, as there are a number of genes linked to type 1 diabetes, but genes on their own don’t cause diabetes. The exact cause is still unknown and research is ongoing.
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes develops when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, and the body has trouble producing insulin, also known as insulin resistance. When there isn’t enough insulin to balance blood glucose levels, they begin to rise. Researchers don’t fully know what causes problems with insulin production and insulin in diabetes type 2. However, it is known that people are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they:
- Have an obesity or a large waist size
- Are 35 or older – the risk increases with age
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Are African American, African Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, Latino or Pacific Islander
- Are not physically active
- Smoke
- Have prediabetes
- Have a history of gestational diabetes (5)
Diabetes Myths
1. People with diabetes cannot have sugar
Having diabetes does not man you have to have a sugar-free diet. Individuals should follow a healthy balanced diet that is low in fat, salt and sugar.
2. People with diabetes should eat ‘diabetic foods’
‘Diabetic’ labelling tends to be used on sweets, biscuits and similar foods that are generally high in fat, especially saturated fat and calories. Diabetes UK does not recommend eating ‘diabetic’ foods, including diabetic chocolate as they can affect blood glucose levels.
3. People with diabetes can’t play sport
People with diabetes are encouraged to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Keeping active can help reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease. However, depending on the individual, there may be some considerations that have to be taken before trying a new exercise regime. If unsure, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
4. People with diabetes are more likely to get cold and other illnesses
This statement is not true. While there is some medical research that may suggest people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing illnesses, there is no evidence to prove it. However, there are certain illnesses that are more common in people with diabetes, and diabetes may alter the course of an illness (6).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the body has trouble regulating blood sugar (glucose). It occurs either because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1) or cannot use insulin effectively (Type 2).
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms are frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, and slow-healing wounds.
How does diet affect diabetes?
High-sugar and processed foods increase risk, while a diet rich in fibre, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps manage blood sugar.
References
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/type-1-diabetes
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/myths-and-faqs
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms/
https://www.healthline.com/health/difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes#symptoms
