Understanding Diabetes: Types, Causes, and Management

Diabetes is a widespread health condition that affects people of all ages. There are several forms of diabetes. Type 2 is the most common. Fact is a combination of treatment strategies can help you manage the condition to live a healthy life and prevent complications.

Diabetes is a health condition that happens when your blood sugar (glucose) is excessively high. This develops when your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or any insulin at all, or when your body isn’t responding to the effects of insulin properly. Diabetes affects people of all ages. Most forms of diabetes are chronic (lifelong), but all forms are manageable with medications and/or lifestyle changes.

1. Type 2 Diabetes (Most Common)

The body doesn’t use insulin properly (insulin resistance) and/or doesn’t produce enough. Usually affects adults but increasingly diagnosed in children. Often linked to lifestyle factors like obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

Blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. It’s a warning sign and a chance to make lifestyle changes to prevent progression.

An autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Mostly diagnosed in children and young adults but can happen at any age. Requires lifelong insulin therapy.

Occurs during pregnancy when hormone changes cause insulin resistance. Normally goes away after birth, but increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future

Caused by physical damage to the pancreas (not autoimmune), affecting insulin production. Conditions like pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, or surgical removal of the pancreas can lead to this type.

A slow-developing form of autoimmune diabetes, similar to Type 1, but diagnosed in adults over 30.

A monogenic (genetic) form of diabetes resulting from inherited mutations. Often runs in families and accounts for up to 5% of diabetes cases.

A rare genetic form of diabetes that appears in infants under six months. Permanent in 50% of cases, while others experience transient diabetes that may return later in life.

A severe, unstable form of Type 1 diabetes marked by frequent, extreme blood sugar swings. May require hospitalization and, in rare cases, a pancreas transplant.

In Nigeria: About 2,988,500 million people have diabetes — around 3.0% of the adult population. Globally: Over 537 million adults have diabetes, projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.

Symptoms can be mild, especially in Type 2 diabetes, and may go for years without realizing it.

Excessive thirst

Frequent urination

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue

Blurred vision

Slow-healing wounds

If untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications.

The root cause of diabetes depends on the type but generally involves high blood sugar levels due to:What causes diabetes? Too much glucose circulating in your bloodstream causes diabetes, regardless of the type. However, the reason why your blood glucose levels are high differs depending on the type of diabetes.

Insulin resistance (mainly in Type 2)

Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells (Type 1 and LADA)

Genetic mutations (MODY, neonatal diabetes)

Pancreatic damage (Type 3c)

Hormonal changes (gestational diabetes and others)

Certain medications and conditions (e.g., corticosteroids, HIV medications, Cushing syndrome) can also contribute to Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Mostly in Type 1. Can be life-threatening.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS): Severe dehydration, usually in Type 2.

Severe hypoglycemia: Dangerous low blood sugar, particularly in insulin users.

Heart disease (heart attack, stroke)

Kidney failure

Nerve damage (neuropathy)

Stroke

Skin Infection

Vision loss (retinopathy)

Foot ulcers and amputations

Sexual dysfunction

Oral health issues

Mental health challenges, including increased risk of depression

Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure glucose levels:

Fasting Blood Glucose Test

Random Blood Glucose Test

A1C Test: Reflects average blood sugar over 2–3 months

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (for gestational diabetes)

Managing diabetes involves the combination of:

Balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control, and no tobacco use

Medication:

Depending on the type, this may include:Insulin

Oral medications (e.g., Metformin, sulfonylureas, SGLT-2 inhibitors)

Monitoring: Regular blood sugar testing and health screenings (eyes, kidneys, feet)

Maintain a healthy body weight

Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)

Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and saturated fat

Avoid tobacco

Avoid alcohol

Diabetes is manageable but requires regular checkups and awareness. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment can prevent or delay complications.

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable with healthy lifestyle choices.