What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to simply as diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar.
The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make.
Untreated high blood sugar from diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs. But educating yourself about diabetes and taking steps to prevent or manage it can help you protect your health.
Experts suggest that more than 1 in 3 AmericansTrusted Source have prediabetes, but over 80%Trusted Source of people with prediabetes don’t even know it.
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Diabetes nutrition made easy — in just 10 mins a week
Our free weekly micro-lessons can empower you with wisdom you need to make healthy changes for your diabetes. Short and easy to follow tips for the week ahead.
In rare cases, a person with gestational diabetes will also experience increased thirst or urination.
In rare cases, a person with gestational diabetes will also experience increased thirst or urination.
Genes may play a role in some people. It’s also possible that a virus sets off an immune system attack.
This condition runs in families. Family members share genes that make them more likely to get type 2 diabetes and to be overweight.
People who are overweight when they get pregnant or who gain too much weight during pregnancy are more likely to get gestational diabetes.
Get more information on the causes of diabetes.
Adults who have African American, Hispanic or Latino American, or Asian American ancestry are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than white adults, according to 2016 research. They’re also more likely to experience decreased quality of care and increased barriers to self-management.
Find out which risks you can control and which ones you can’t.
Complications associated with diabetes include:
The risk of gestational diabetes in future pregnancies also increases.
Avoid the most common diabetes complications with these helpful tips.
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Various types of insulin are commonly used by people with type 1 diabetes. They differ in how quickly they start to work and how long their effects last:
These drugs lower your blood sugar in a variety of ways:
You may need to take more than one of these medications. Some people with type 2 diabetes also take insulin.
Research has found that about 15% to 30%Trusted Source of women who develop gestational diabetes will need insulin to lower their blood sugar. Insulin is safe for the developing baby.
Check out this list of the various medications that are available to treat diabetes.
Your medical team may recommend that you limit the amount of carbohydrates you eat each day. You’ll also need to balance your carb intake with your insulin doses.
Check out this guide to starting a type 1 diabetes diet.
Carb counting is an important part of eating for type 2 diabetes. A dietitian can help you figure out how many grams of carbohydrates to eat at each meal.
In order to keep your blood sugar levels steady, try to eat small meals throughout the day. Emphasize healthy foods such as:
Discover the foods you should avoid if you have diabetes.
Watch your portion sizes, and limit sugary or salty foods. Although you need some sugar to feed your growing baby, you should avoid eating too much. Check out other do’s and don’ts for healthy eating with gestational diabetes.
Staying active helps your cells react to insulin more effectively and lower your blood sugar levels. Exercising regularly can also help you:
Diabetes-friendly exercises include:
Consider working with a personal trainer or exercise physiologist who has experience working with people who have diabetes. They can help you develop a personalized workout plan tailored to your needs.
Doctors use these blood tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes:
If you don’t already have a primary care specialist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Yet many other diabetes risk factors are manageable. Most diabetes prevention strategies involve making simple adjustments to your diet and fitness routine.
If you’ve received a diagnosis of prediabetes, here are a few things you can do to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes:
If you’re diagnosed with pre-gestational or gestational diabetes, you’ll need special monitoring to prevent complications.
Extreme thirst, fatigue, and hunger are also signs of the condition. It’s important that children with type 1 diabetes get treatment right away. The condition can cause high blood sugar and dehydration, which can be medical emergencies.
Some children living with type 2 diabetes don’t experience symptoms. Others may experience:
Untreated type 2 diabetes can cause lifelong complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. Healthy eating and exercise can help your child manage their blood sugar and prevent these problems.
Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent than ever in young people. Learn how to spot the signs so you can report them to your child’s doctor.
Discuss potential diabetes risks with your doctor. If you’re at risk, have your blood sugar tested and follow your doctor’s advice for managing your blood sugar.
Last medically reviewed on August 12, 2022
Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to simply as diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar.
The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make.
Untreated high blood sugar from diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs. But educating yourself about diabetes and taking steps to prevent or manage it can help you protect your health.
Types of diabetes
There are a few different types of diabetes:- Type 1: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas, where insulin is made. It’s unclear what causes this attack.
- Type 2: Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin, and sugar builds up in your blood. It’s the most common type—about 90% to 95%Trusted Source of people living with diabetes have type 2.
- Gestational: Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar during pregnancy. Insulin-blocking hormones produced by the placenta cause this type of diabetes.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is the term that’s used when your blood sugar is higher than expected, but it’s not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. It occurs when the cells in your body don’t respond to insulin the way they should. This can lead to type 2 diabetes down the road.Experts suggest that more than 1 in 3 AmericansTrusted Source have prediabetes, but over 80%Trusted Source of people with prediabetes don’t even know it.
HEALTHLINE RESOURCE
Diabetes nutrition made easy — in just 10 mins a week
Our free weekly micro-lessons can empower you with wisdom you need to make healthy changes for your diabetes. Short and easy to follow tips for the week ahead.
Symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes symptoms are caused by rising blood sugar.General symptoms
The general symptoms of diabetes include:- increased hunger
- increased thirst
- weight loss
- frequent urination
- blurry vision
- extreme fatigue
- sores that don’t heal
Symptoms in men
In addition to the general symptoms of diabetes, men with diabetes may have:- a decreased sex drive
- erectile dysfunction (ED)
- poor muscle strength
Symptoms in women
Women with diabetes can have symptoms such as:- vaginal dryness
- urinary tract infections
- yeast infections
- dry, itchy skin
Type 1 diabetes
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can include:- extreme hunger
- increased thirst
- unintentional weight loss
- frequent urination
- blurry vision
- tiredness
Type 2 diabetes
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:- increased hunger
- increased thirst
- increased urination
- blurry vision
- tiredness
- sores that are slow to heal
Gestational diabetes
Most people who develop gestational diabetes don’t have any symptoms. Healthcare professionals often detect the condition during a routine blood sugar test or oral glucose tolerance test, which is usually performed between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.In rare cases, a person with gestational diabetes will also experience increased thirst or urination.
The bottom line
Diabetes symptoms can be so mild that they’re hard to spot at first. Learn which signs should prompt a trip to the doctor.- extreme hunger
- increased thirst
- unintentional weight loss
- frequent urination
- blurry vision
- tiredness
Type 2 diabetes
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:- increased hunger
- increased thirst
- increased urination
- blurry vision
- tiredness
- sores that are slow to heal
Gestational diabetes
Most people who develop gestational diabetes don’t have any symptoms. Healthcare professionals often detect the condition during a routine blood sugar test or oral glucose tolerance test, which is usually performed between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.In rare cases, a person with gestational diabetes will also experience increased thirst or urination.
The bottom line
Diabetes symptoms can be so mild that they’re hard to spot at first. Learn which signs should prompt a trip to the doctorCauses of diabetes
Different causes are associated with each type of diabetes.Type 1 diabetes
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes type 1 diabetes. For some reason, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.Genes may play a role in some people. It’s also possible that a virus sets off an immune system attack.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes stems from a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Having overweight or obesity increases your risk, too. Carrying extra weight, especially in your belly, makes your cells more resistant to the effects of insulin on your blood sugar.This condition runs in families. Family members share genes that make them more likely to get type 2 diabetes and to be overweight.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs as the result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. The placenta produces hormones that make a pregnant person’s cells less sensitive to the effects of insulin. This can cause high blood sugar during pregnancy.People who are overweight when they get pregnant or who gain too much weight during pregnancy are more likely to get gestational diabetes.
The bottom line
Both genes and environmental factors play a role in triggering diabetes.Get more information on the causes of diabetes.
Diabetes risk factors
Certain factors increase your risk for diabetes.Type 1 diabetes
You’re more likely to get type 1 diabetes if you’re a child or teenager, you have a parent or sibling with the condition, or you carry certain genes that are linked to the disease.Type 2 diabetes
Your risk for type 2 diabetes increases if you:- are overweight
- are age 45 or older
- have a parent or sibling with the condition
- aren’t physically active
- have had gestational diabetes
- have prediabetes
- have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides
Adults who have African American, Hispanic or Latino American, or Asian American ancestry are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than white adults, according to 2016 research. They’re also more likely to experience decreased quality of care and increased barriers to self-management.
Gestational diabetes
Your risk for gestational diabetes increases if you:- are overweight
- are over age 25
- had gestational diabetes during a past pregnancy
- have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
- have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The bottom line
Your family history, environment, and preexisting medical conditions can all affect your odds of developing diabetes.Find out which risks you can control and which ones you can’t.
Diabetes complications
High blood sugar damages organs and tissues throughout your body. The higher your blood sugar is and the longer you live with it, the greater your risk for complications.Complications associated with diabetes include:
- heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
- neuropathy
- nephropathy
- retinopathy and vision loss
- hearing loss
- foot damage, such as infections and sores that don’t heal
- skin conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections
- depression
- dementia
Gestational diabetes
Unmanaged gestational diabetes can lead to problems that affect both the mother and baby. Complications affecting the baby can include:- premature birth
- higher-than-typical weight at birth
- increased risk for type 2 diabetes later in life
- low blood sugar
- jaundice
- stillbirth
The risk of gestational diabetes in future pregnancies also increases.
The bottom line
Diabetes can lead to serious medical complications, but you can manage the condition with medications and lifestyle changes.Avoid the most common diabetes complications with these helpful tips.
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Treatment of diabetes
Doctors treat diabetes with a few different medications. Some are taken by mouth, while others are available as injections.Type 1 diabetes
Insulin is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes. It replaces the hormone your body isn’t able to produce.Various types of insulin are commonly used by people with type 1 diabetes. They differ in how quickly they start to work and how long their effects last:
- Rapid-acting insulin: starts to work within 15 minutes and its effects last for 2 to 4 hours
- Short-acting insulin: starts to work within 30 minutes and lasts 3 to 6 hours
- Intermediate-acting insulin: starts to work within 2 to 4 hours and lasts 12 to 18 hours
- Long-acting insulin: starts to work 2 hours after injection and lasts up to 24 hours
- Ultra-long acting insulin: starts to work 6 hours after injection and lasts 36 hours or more
- Premixed insulin: starts working within 5 to 60 minutes and lasts 10 to 16 hours
Type 2 diabetes
Diet and exercise can help some people manage type 2 diabetes. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to lower your blood sugar, you’ll need to take medication.These drugs lower your blood sugar in a variety of ways:
| Drug | How it works | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| alpha-glucosidase inhibitors | slow your body’s breakdown of sugars and starchy foods | acarbose (Precose) and miglitol |
| biguanides | reduce the amount of glucose your liver makes | metformin (Glucophage, Riomet) |
| DPP-4 inhibitors | improve your blood sugar without making it drop too low | alogliptin (Nesina), linagliptin (Tradjenta), saxagliptin (Onglyza), and sitagliptin (Januvia) |
| glucagon-like peptides | stimulate your pancreas to produce more insulin; slow stomach emptying | semaglutide (Ozempic), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Byetta), and liraglutide (Victoza) |
| meglitinides | stimulate your pancreas to release more insulin | nateglinide and repaglinide |
| SGLT2 inhibitors | release more glucose into the urine | canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and empagliflozin (Jardiance) |
| sulfonylureas | stimulate your pancreas to release more insulin | glyburide (Glynase), glipizide (Glucotrol), and glimepiride (Amaryl) |
| thiazolidinediones | help insulin work better | pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone |
Gestational diabetes
If you receive a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, you’ll need to monitor your blood sugar level several times per day during pregnancy. If it’s high, dietary changes and exercise may be enough to bring it down.Research has found that about 15% to 30%Trusted Source of women who develop gestational diabetes will need insulin to lower their blood sugar. Insulin is safe for the developing baby.
The bottom line
The treatment regimen your doctor recommends will depend on the type of diabetes you have and its cause.Check out this list of the various medications that are available to treat diabetes.
Diabetes and diet
Healthy eating is a central part of managing diabetes. In some cases, changing your diet may be enough to manage the disease.Type 1 diabetes
Your blood sugar level rises or falls based on the types of foods you eat. Starchy or sugary foods make blood sugar levels rise rapidly. Protein and fat cause more gradual increases.Your medical team may recommend that you limit the amount of carbohydrates you eat each day. You’ll also need to balance your carb intake with your insulin doses.
Check out this guide to starting a type 1 diabetes diet.
Type 2 diabetes
Eating the right types of foods can both manage your blood sugar and help you lose any excess weight.Carb counting is an important part of eating for type 2 diabetes. A dietitian can help you figure out how many grams of carbohydrates to eat at each meal.
In order to keep your blood sugar levels steady, try to eat small meals throughout the day. Emphasize healthy foods such as:
- fruits
- vegetables
- whole grains
- lean protein such as poultry and fish
- healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts
Discover the foods you should avoid if you have diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
Eating a well-balanced diet is important for both you and your baby during these 9 months. Making the right food choices can also help you avoid diabetes medications.Watch your portion sizes, and limit sugary or salty foods. Although you need some sugar to feed your growing baby, you should avoid eating too much. Check out other do’s and don’ts for healthy eating with gestational diabetes.
The bottom line
Work with a registered dietitian, if you have access to one. They can help you design an individualized diabetes meal plan. Getting the right balance of protein, fat, and carbs can help you manage your blood sugar.Diabetes and exercise
Along with diet and treatment, exercise plays an essential role in diabetes management. This is true for all types of diabetes.Staying active helps your cells react to insulin more effectively and lower your blood sugar levels. Exercising regularly can also help you:
- reach and maintain a healthy weight
- reduce your risk of diabetes-related health complications
- boost mood
- get better sleep
- improve memory
Diabetes-friendly exercises include:
- walking
- swimming
- dancing
- cycling
Consider working with a personal trainer or exercise physiologist who has experience working with people who have diabetes. They can help you develop a personalized workout plan tailored to your needs.
Diabetes diagnosis
Anyone who has symptoms of diabetes or is at risk for the condition should be tested. People are routinely tested for gestational diabetes during their second trimester or third trimester of pregnancy.Doctors use these blood tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes:
- The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test measures your blood sugar after you’ve fasted for 8 hours.
- The A1C test provides a snapshot of your blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months.
How to diagnose gestational diabetes
To diagnose gestational diabetes, your doctor will test your blood sugar levels between the 24th week and 28th week of pregnancy. There are two types of tests:- Glucose challenge test: During a glucose challenge test, your blood sugar is checked an hour after you drink a sugary liquid. If your results are standard, no more testing is done. If blood sugar levels are high, you’ll need to undergo a glucose tolerance test.
- Glucose tolerance test: During a glucose tolerance test, your blood sugar is checked after you fast overnight. Then you’re given a sugary drink and your blood sugar is re-tested after 1 hour and again after 2 hours. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed if any of these three readings come back noting high blood sugar.
If you don’t already have a primary care specialist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Diabetes prevention
Type 1 diabetes is not preventable because it’s caused by an issue with the immune system. Some causes of type 2 diabetes, such as your genes or age, aren’t under your control either.Yet many other diabetes risk factors are manageable. Most diabetes prevention strategies involve making simple adjustments to your diet and fitness routine.
If you’ve received a diagnosis of prediabetes, here are a few things you can do to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes:
- Get at least 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling.
- Cut saturated and trans fats, along with refined carbohydrates, out of your diet.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Eat smaller portions.
- Try to lose 5% to 7%Trusted Source of your body weight if you have overweight or obesity.
Diabetes in pregnancy
People who’ve never had diabetes can suddenly develop gestational diabetes in pregnancy. Hormones produced by the placenta can make your body more resistant to the effects of insulin.Pre-gestational diabetes
Some people had diabetes before they conceived carry it with them into pregnancy. This is called pre-gestational diabetes.Risks to your newborn
Diabetes during pregnancy can lead to complications for your newborn, such as jaundice or breathing problems.If you’re diagnosed with pre-gestational or gestational diabetes, you’ll need special monitoring to prevent complications.
Does gestational diabetes disappear on its own?
Gestational diabetes should go away after you deliver, but it does significantly increase your risk of getting diabetes later. About halfTrusted Source of people with gestational diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.Diabetes in children
Children can get both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Managing blood sugar is especially important in young people because diabetes can damage important organs such as the heart and kidneys.Type 1 diabetes
The autoimmune form of diabetes often starts in childhood. One of the main symptoms is increased urination. Kids with type 1 diabetes may start wetting the bed after they’ve been toilet trained.Extreme thirst, fatigue, and hunger are also signs of the condition. It’s important that children with type 1 diabetes get treatment right away. The condition can cause high blood sugar and dehydration, which can be medical emergencies.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes used to be called juvenile diabetes because type 2 was so rare in children. Now that more children have overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in this age group.Some children living with type 2 diabetes don’t experience symptoms. Others may experience:
- increased thirst
- frequent urination
- extreme fatigue
- blurry vision
Untreated type 2 diabetes can cause lifelong complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. Healthy eating and exercise can help your child manage their blood sugar and prevent these problems.
Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent than ever in young people. Learn how to spot the signs so you can report them to your child’s doctor.
Takeaway
Some types of diabetes — like type 1 — are caused by factors that are out of your control. Others — like type 2 — can be prevented by making better food choices, increasing activity, and losing weight.Discuss potential diabetes risks with your doctor. If you’re at risk, have your blood sugar tested and follow your doctor’s advice for managing your blood sugar.
Last medically reviewed on August 12, 2022
