What is Diabetes

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Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body is unable to produce, or effectively use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. This results in high blood glucose levels if left untreated. 

Diabetes affects an estimated 1.7 million people in Australia with type 2 diabetes being the most common form, accounting for 85 – 90% of all people living with diabetes. 

Diabetes doesn’t discriminate; it can affect people of any age and appears in many different forms. 

Types of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body is unable to produce insulin by itself. Type 1 diabetes was formerly known as juvenile diabetes, as it is more commonly diagnosed in children and young adolescents. Lifelong insulin therapy and blood glucose management are required. 

Type 2 diabetes 

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or produces insufficient amounts needed to regulate blood glucose levels. Commonly linked to lifestyle factors and genetics, type 2 diabetes can be managed through lifestyle interventions, medications or insulin therapy. 

GDM 

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy that affects approximately one in six pregnancies Similar to other forms of diabetes, GDM affects how the body uses glucose, with implications for the health of mothers and babies. GDM usually subsides after the pregnancy/giving birth, but it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future, with research finding that women who have had GDM are seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future. Throughout the pregnancy, it is managed by blood glucose management, and sometimes insulin therapy. 

Other types of diabetes

There are several other types of diabetes that are lesser known. According to the International Diabetes Federation, these make up about 1.5-2% of the cases of diabetes and can be grouped into 9 categories. 

Some of those diabetes types are:  

  • MODY 
  • LADA 
  • Type 3c 
  • Steroid-induced diabetes 
  • Cystic fibrosis related diabetes 
  • Monogenic diabetes 
  • Immune-mediated diabetes  

You can read more about each of the other diabetes here.

Health related conditions

Glucose is our body’s main source of energy. Insulin helps to regulate blood glucose levels in the body by converting the glucose in our blood into energy that can be used by our cells. Without the role of insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and results in hyperglycaemia, or high blood glucose levels.  

Over time, chronic high blood glucose levels can result in damage to some of the body’s major organs. These can include:  

  • Kidneys 
  • Nerves
  • Eyes
  • Heart

You can read about these and other diabetes related health conditions here. 

What causes diabetes?

The cause of diabetes can vary between types.  

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the healthy beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin. After a short period of time, often referred to as the ‘honeymoon period’, the pancreas completely stops making insulin, resulting in the need for life-long insulin replacement. There is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes, and although genetic testing is commonly conducted to screen for predisposition to the disease, it cannot be prevented. 

Read more about the type 1 screen research project.

Type 2 diabetes is typically characterised by insulin resistance, where the body does not produce enough or cannot effectively utilise insulin.  

Up to 60% of cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through modifiable lifestyle factors such as maintaining healthy nutrition, increasing physical activity and managing stress. 

In some cases, type 2 diabetes cannot be prevented, due to factors such as ethnicity, age and family history. These are considered non-modifiable factors. Although these factors cannot be changed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can still help to reduce your risk and delay the onset of developing diabetes. 

GDM is caused by the hormone fluctuations and changes in the body during pregnancy. This can make it difficult for the body to utilise insulin effectively, leading to insulin resistance. In some cases, GDM cannot be prevented, due to genetic factors and age, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you reduce your risk. Having GDM in a previous pregnancy or having a parent with diabetes can also increase your risk. 

What are the signs and symptoms? 

Common symptoms of diabetes and high blood glucose levels: 

  • Excessive thirst 
  • Frequent urination, often yellow/darker in colour 
  • Fatigue and unexplained tiredness 
  • Persistent hunger 
  • Weight loss, often rapid 
  • Blurry vision 
  • Wounds that take longer to heal

Treatment and management

Each type of diabetes is treated and managed in different ways, but commonly include: 

  • Insulin (long, short and rapid acting, via injections or an insulin pump) 
  • Oral medications 
  • Blood glucose management (using blood glucose monitors and continuous glucose monitors) 
  • Tailored lifestyle management (nutrition, physical activity, stress management and wellbeing) 

In addition to the immediate management needs, an overall diabetes treatment plan can include: 

  • 3 – 6th monthly appointments with an endocrinologist 
  • Annual check ins with a diabetes educator 
  • Annual eye checks with an ophthalmologist 
  • Annual checks with a podiatrist 

While diabetes in all forms requires careful attention and constant monitoring, people living with the condition can live full and healthy lives with the right care team and approach. 

Find out more about Diabetes Care Plus.

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