Diabetes - what it is and what comes next

When we eat, the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, a form of sugar that enters the bloodstream. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps move this glucose into the body's cells, where it’s used for energy¹.

In people with diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use insulin properly. This leads to high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia), which can damage organs, blood vessels, and nerves over time¹.

The main types of diabetes to be aware of are:

• Type 1 diabetes: an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections or insulin pumps¹.
• Type 2 diabetes: the most common type, often related to excess weight, inactivity, and family history. It typically involves insulin resistance and eventually reduced insulin production¹.
• Gestational diabetes: occurs during pregnancy when the body can't make enough insulin. Although it usually disappears after childbirth, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life¹.

With proper disease control, healthy lifestyle choices, and medical guidance, people with diabetes can manage their condition effectively and lead full, active lives.

Diabetes symptoms can be subtle and easy to ignore, especially in the early stages. Gradual onset is common in type 2 diabetes, and many individuals adapt to feeling fatigued, thirsty, or experiencing blurred vision without realising something is wrong. Common early warning signs include¹:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Slow-healing wounds
• Increased hunger

Unfortunately, people often normalise these symptoms or attribute them to ageing or stress. This is why routine checkups and blood tests are crucial, because they can reveal impaired glucose tolerance or high blood sugar levels before more serious complications develop.

Regular monitoring by your doctor or another healthcare professional helps catch changes early and supports better long-term outcomes.

Living with diabetes requires developing a supportive daily routine. This helps maintain blood glucose levels within your target range and reduces the risk of complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and cardiovascular diseases. While every individual is different, some general habits can help:

• Balanced eating: choosing foods that stabilise blood sugar and support a healthy weight. Whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables are common recommendations².
• Physical activity: regular movement, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, improves insulin sensitivity and helps manage blood pressure and weight².
• Monitoring: tracking blood sugar levels, weight changes, and symptoms helps identify patterns and adjust treatment as needed².

It's important not to self-diagnose or self-treat. Collaborating with your doctor and a specialist healthcare team ensures that your diabetes care plan is safe, effective, and suited to your needs.

Remember, emotional health is also key. Managing a chronic condition like diabetes can be stressful, and support from mental health professionals or peer groups can be an important part of diabetes treatment.

Being proactive in your healthcare conversations can lead to better support and understanding. Whether you're newly diagnosed or managing long-term diabetes, it helps to prepare before seeing your doctor:

• Write down symptoms: note how long you've had them, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse.
• List lifestyle changes: mention diet, exercise, sleep, stress levels, and any changes in weight or physical activity.
• Track patterns: use a journal or mobile app to monitor blood sugar levels, energy, and mood. This data helps your doctor see the full picture.

Doctors may ask about your family history, body weight, blood pressure, and risk of developing complications. Being open and detailed ensures they can tailor your diabetes care appropriately.

After a checkup, the next steps in understanding or managing diabetes often begin with a closer look at your blood sugar levels and overall health. If symptoms suggest the possibility of diabetes, your doctor may order specific evaluations. This does not necessarily mean a diagnosis. These evaluations often include:

• Fasting blood glucose tests
• Hemoglobin A_1c  tests (which reflect average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months)
• Oral glucose tolerance tests
• Urine tests and lipid profiles to assess kidney function and cardiovascular risk

These assessments help determine whether there is a risk of developing diabetes, if impaired glucose tolerance is present, or if blood sugar levels are already outside the normal range.

Early testing and steady intervention often helps prevent long-term complications with diabetes. Importantly, small, manageable lifestyle adjustments, such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and tracking blood glucose, can also significantly improve outcomes over time without the need for immediate medication².

It’s important to remember that the process of diagnosis and disease control isn't about immediate, dramatic change; it's about creating a sustainable path forward. Maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring for symptoms like blurred vision, and addressing risk factors such as high blood pressure and family history are part of building this path towards managing your diabetes.

One of the most powerful resources for people living with or at risk of diabetes is the community around them. Whether it's type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, or prediabetes, you're not alone. Millions of people are on a similar journey to you.

Community connections that are worthwhile researching include:

• Local support groups
• Online forums and social media groups
• Events and webinars hosted by diabetes associations

If you feel comfortable doing so, sharing your own story can be equally meaningful. By describing your experience with diagnosis, treatment, or everyday diabetes care, you may help someone else feel seen, supported, and less isolated.

The diabetes community thrives on empathy and understanding. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your journey, your voice matters and could benefit many others who are living with diabetes.