Diabetes

Diabetes – a group of metabolic diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose resulting from impaired insulin production, insulin sensitivity, or both – is increasing globally, affecting over 589 million people and driven in part by rising rates of obesity. Types include:

• Type 1 diabetes (T1D): Autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin
• Type 2 diabetes (T2D): Most common form; occurs when the body resists insulin or the pancreas fails to produce enough
• Gestational diabetes: Pregnancy-related disorder that increases future risk of T2D
• Monogenic diabetes: Genetic defect in pancreatic islet function, often involving mutations in GCK or HNF1A genes
• Malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM; formerly type5 diabetes): Severe non-autoimmune insulin deficiency caused by early-life chronic undernutrition, most commonly seen in lean individuals in low-resource settings

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes is diagnosed using blood glucose criteria, including fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hour plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test, HbA1c ≥6.5%, or a random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL. Islet autoantibodies and C-peptide testing can help differentiate subtypes.

How is diabetes managed?

T1D requires lifelong insulin therapy. T2D may involve lifestyle modifications, oral medications, non-insulin injectables, insulin, or metabolic surgery. Gestational diabetes typically requires lifestyle modifications, but some patients may require medication. Monogenic diabetes management depends on the affected gene; some subtypes respond well to sulfonylureas, whereas others require insulin.

What are the long-term complications of diabetes?

Diabetes can have a multi-system impact, with complications including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, retinopathy, and neuropathy, which may lead to foot ulcers and, in severe cases, amputation.

How is technology advancing diabetes care?

Continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and automated insulin delivery systems improve glycemic control, reduce hypoglycemia, and can reduce management burden for people with diabetes.

Developed by EPG Health for Medthority, independently of any sponsor.