Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term condition where blood sugar (glucose) stays higher than normal. This happens when the body does not make enough insulin or does not use it properly. Insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into your cells for energy.

Key Facts

Usually seen in

Diabetes can affect any age group. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and is often seen in adults, but it is now also being found in younger people.

Gender affected

Both men and women.

Body parts involved

Diabetes mainly involves the pancreas and can also affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and feet over time if not well controlled.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-making cells, leading to little or no insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

The body does not use insulin well (insulin resistance), and over time, the pancreas may not make enough insulin. Most people with diabetes have type 2.

Gestational diabetes

High blood sugar during pregnancy (needs monitoring to protect both mother and baby).

Other types

Some types are linked to hormones, medicines, or genetic causes (less common).

Symptoms of Diabetes

Symptoms may be mild in type 2 diabetes and can develop slowly. Common symptoms include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Urinating more often (especially at night)
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying
• Blurred vision
• Cuts or wounds are taking longer to heal

Risk Factors

You may have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes if you have:

• Overweight or obesity
• Family history of diabetes
• Low physical activity
• History of gestational diabetes
• Tobacco use or heavy alcohol use

Tests Used to Diagnose Diabetes

Doctors confirm diabetes using one or more of these tests:

• HbA1c: average blood sugar over 2–3 months (diabetes at 6.5% or above)
• Fasting blood sugar (FPG): diabetes at 126 mg/dL or above
• 2-hour OGTT: diabetes at 200 mg/dL or above

Other helpful tests for overall diabetes care may include lipid profile, kidney function tests, urine albumin, and regular eye/foot checks.

Management and Treatment

Diabetes care is usually a mix of:

• Healthy eating and weight management
• Regular physical activity
• Blood sugar monitoring (as advised)
• Medicines to control blood sugar (tablets and/or injections like insulin, depending on the type of diabetes and sugar levels)

Many people also need support for blood pressure and cholesterol, because diabetes increases long-term heart and vascular risks.

Possible Complications

Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to problems in the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves, and can increase the risk of foot ulcers.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

Get urgent help if you have:

• Signs of very low sugar: sweating, shaking, confusion, fainting
• Severe high sugar signs: vomiting, severe weakness, fast/deep breathing, unusual sleepiness
  These can be dangerous and need quick medical attention.

Explore Diabetes Products

Browse this category to find products for diabetes care, including blood sugar support medicines, insulin-related care (where applicable), and monitoring essentials, chosen based on your health needs and medical guidance.