Diabetes Explained: What you need to know
Diabetes mellitus is a lifelong condition that occurs when the pancreas can no longer make insulin or the body cannot effectively use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and its role in the body is to allow sugar, known as glucose, to enter cells and produce energy. If sugar cannot enter cells, it isn’t used and therefore builds up in the bloodstream which leads to high blood glucose levels known as hyperglycaemia. Over time, persistent high glucose levels can damage the body’s blood vessels as well as putting a person at higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure (International Diabetes Federation, 2025).
There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes. We will cover Type 1 & 2 in this blog. Prediabetes also known as intermediate hyperglycaemia, is not a type of diabetes as it is described as having blood glucose levels higher than normal but not within the diagnosis’s threshold. However, it can increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes (International Diabetes Federation, 2025).
Symptoms of diabetes are:
- Abnormal thirst and dry mouth
- Sudden weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Constant hunger
- Blurred vision
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet (International Diabetes Federation, 2025).
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own insulin-producing cells known as beta cells, found in the pancreas. Therefore, the body does not make enough insulin which in turn causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream. Unfortunately, there are no preventative measures known at this time, and it is not linked to lifestyle factors. However, the condition is highly treatable, with those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes usually prescribed a daily insulin treatment to manage their glucose and stay healthy (International Diabetes Federation, 2026a).
Risk Factors:
- Family history of type 1 diabetes
- Age – type 1 tends to develop in children, teens or young adults but can occur at any life stage (CDC, 2024)
Treating type 1 diabetes:
The number one recommendation for treating type 1 diabetes is to visit a trained healthcare professional, who will prescribe a treatment plan. Other recommendations include receiving a daily insulin dose, to monitor glucose levels, and to engage in physical activity. When it comes to diet, there are no limitations on what to eat or when to eat. But it is recommended to consume three healthy and balanced meals that include all the major food groups throughout the day. These include carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats and of course our fruit & vegetables (International Diabetes Federation, 2026a).
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition in which the body does not use insulin properly or cannot produce any, which leads to hyperglycaemia. It is the most common type of diabetes with over 90% of diabetes cases being type 2. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 is not an autoimmune condition and tends to develop over time with few symptoms. A key determinant of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance which occurs when the body stops responding to insulin, therefore making it harder for glucose to enter cells (International Diabetes Foundation, 2026b).
Risk factors:
1. Family history of diabetes
2. Overweight or obesity
3. Unhealthy diet
4. Physical inactivity
5. High blood pressure
6. Increasing age
7. Prediabetes
8. History of diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) (International Diabetes Foundation, 2026b).
It is important to note that type 2 diabetes develops by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and lifestyle factors. It is not simply the result of an individual’s lifestyle choices.
Treating type 2 diabetes:
The management of type 2 diabetes focuses on maintaining healthy blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of complications. The cornerstone of treatment is a healthy lifestyle, which includes:
- Healthy diet
- Regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Not smoking
- Regular health checks and monitoring
For some, lifestyle changes alone may be enough to manage their blood glucose levels but for others medication may be required. A trained healthcare professional will advise the correct treatment course.
References:
What Is Diabetes? A chronic condition where the body cannot produce or use insulin effectively
Type 1 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Management
Diabetes Risk Factors | Diabetes | CDC
Type 2 diabetes | International Diabetes Federation
More diet related info that can be included:
Prevent Diabetes | International Diabetes Federation
Published September 2026.