Introduction
- Long-term condition where the body cannot properly use insulin
- Leads to high blood sugar levels
- Very common in adults; rising rapidly worldwide
- Major cause of heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness
Symptoms
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Recurrent infections
- Red flags
- unexplained weight loss
- severe fatigue
- confusion
Causes and Risk Factors
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history
- Age >40
- Poor diet
- Ethnicity (higher risk in South Asian, African populations)
- History of gestational diabetes
Types or Classification
- Type 2 diabetes (most common)
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
Diagnosis
- HbA1c ≥ 6.5%
- Fasting blood glucose
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- Random glucose with symptoms
Treatment
Medications
- Metformin
- Gliclazide
- Insulin
- Semaglutide
Non-Medication Treatment
- Weight loss
- Healthy diet (low sugar, controlled carbs)
- Regular exercise
- Smoking cessation
Advanced Treatment
- Insulin therapy
- Continuous glucose monitoring
- Bariatric surgery (selected patients)
Complications
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Kidney Disease
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Vision loss
When to See a Doctor
- Symptoms of high blood sugar
- High-risk individuals
- Poor glucose control
Emergency Signs
- Confusion
- Severe dehydration
- Rapid breathing
- Drowsiness or unconsciousness
Prevention
- Maintain healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Balanced diet
- Regular screening
Prognosis and Recovery
- Chronic condition
- Can be well controlled
- Early management prevents complications
Quick Patient Advice
- Monitor blood sugar regularly
- Take medication as prescribed
- Maintain healthy diet
- Exercise daily
- Attend regular check-ups
FAQ
- Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
- Sometimes with significant weight loss
- Is insulin always required?
- Not always; depends on severity
- Best diet for diabetes?
- Low sugar, controlled carbohydrates
- Can I eat sugar?
- In moderation
- Is diabetes hereditary?
- Yes, strong genetic component
- How often check blood sugar?
- As advised by doctor
- Can exercise lower sugar levels?
- Yes, very effective
- What is HbA1c?
- Average blood sugar over 3 months
- Can diabetes cause blindness?
- Yes, if uncontrolled
- Is diabetes serious?
- Yes, but manageable