When one has abnormally high blood sugar levels he/she may have Diabetes. Normally, carbohydrates in food are digested and broken down to simple sugars. Insulin, a hormone produced by pancreas helps glucose enter cells. But, if one has Diabetes, this process gets disturbed, and blood sugar levels go up.

Diabetes is diagnosed1 when any of the following test results are positive.

Fasting* Plasma Glucose (FPG) >126 mg/dL OR

2-h plasma glucose >200 mg/dL during an Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT**) OR

In a patient with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia, a random plasma glucose >200 mg/dL OR

Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA ) >6.5% (140mg/dL).

* Fasting is defined as no caloric intake for at least 8 h

**OGTT test should be performed as described by the WHO, using a glucose load containing the equivalent of 75-g anhydrous glucose dissolved in water

Type 1 Diabetes - due to autoimmune ß-cell destruction, usually leading to absolute insulin deficiency)  Click here to check the frequently asked questions on newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes - due to a progressive loss of adequate ß-cell insulin secretion frequently on the background of insulin resistance 

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) - Diabetes diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy that was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation

*Specific types of diabetes due to other causes, e.g.,neonatal diabetes, maturity-onset diabetes of the young, diseases of the exocrine pancreas (such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis), and drug- or chemical-induced diabetes (such as with glucocorticoid use in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, or after organ transplantation)

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Reference: 1. American Diabetes Association Diabetes Care 2020 Jan; 43 (Supplement 1): S14-S31. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-S002

While Diabetes has been shown to be an inherited disease, it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors and one can also get diabetes when none else in the family has it. We cannot modify our genes but can follow a healthy life style to prevent type 2 diabetes.

 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and cannot be prevented. Unlike type 1 Diabetes, type 2 Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors which includes, sedentary life style, stress and wrong eating habits. 

Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Yes, a few changes in one's lifestyle and food habits along with proper medication and monitoring can help a person with Diabetes lead a normal healthy life. There are many people with Diabetes in their respective fields without any hindrance by managing Diabetes well.