Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) may be the most important medical condition seen today. The prevalence is increasing rapidly, driven mainly by modern lifestyles, with close to 10% of adults (in the developed world) now Diabetic or pre-diabetic. This short article covers some of the basic and the key facts you really should know…

  • Diabetes is a condition characterised by abnormal sugar metabolism that results in long-term raised blood sugar levels. It is the high blood sugar that causes an array of complications over time.
  • There are two types of Diabetes.
    • Type 1 Diabetes is mainly inherited/genetic, usually starts in childhood or puberty, is caused by inadequate levels of the hormone Insulin, and almost requires insulin replacement via injection.
    • Type 2 Diabetes is also partly inherited/genetic but is also the result of obesity, starts in middle-age adults, is caused by resistance to the effects of Insulin, and while it sometimes requires Insulin treatment this is not usually needed (tablets and lifestyle change are usually the best treatments). This is by far the most common form of Diabetes today.
  • The long term complications of Diabetes are serious. They include heart disease, stroke, poor circulation, kidney failure, and vision problems.
  • The early symptoms of elevated blood sugar levels (pre-Diabetes or early Diabetes) include excessive thirst, excessive urination, dry itchy skin, blurred vision, and general fatigue.
  • Many people with early or mild Diabetes have few or no symptoms. This makes regular blood sugar screening check-ups very worthwhile since this is how early Diabetes can be picked up.
  • Pre-diabetes, or insulin-resistance, or metabolic syndrome, all basically refer to the early stages of Diabetes where blood sugar levels start to rise (there is much detail here and we have simplified things in the interests of overall clarity).
  • In Type 2 Diabetes, lifestyle changes (e.g. better eating, more exercise) can help to reduce the risk of complications and may even reverse the condition altogether. Without lifestyle change, Diabetes is very difficult to manage and long term complications become very likely.

Diabetes is perhaps the most serious medical concern today. In essence it can be seen as a disease of lifestyle (at least in most cases) that can be prevented and can be managed if only we would heed the advice given.

Written by Dr Colin Burns