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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. It develops when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively.
Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter the body's cells, where it is used for energy. When insulin production or function is impaired, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream. Over time, persistently high blood sugar can increase the risk of complications affecting various organs.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 2025, approximately 589 million adults aged 20–79 were living with diabetes worldwide in 2024. This number is projected to reach 853 million by 2050.
Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and regular monitoring are essential for reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications and maintaining quality of life.
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition that occurs when the body cannot produce sufficient insulin or use it effectively.
Under normal circumstances, blood glucose levels rise after eating, prompting the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin helps glucose enter the body's cells, where it is used for energy.
In people with diabetes, this process is disrupted, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. If left uncontrolled over time, high blood sugar can damage the cardiovascular system, kidneys, eyes and nervous system.
Diabetes mellitus is classified into several main types. Each type has different causes, mechanisms and treatment approaches.
Type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces very little or no insulin.
Although it is commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence, Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age.
Common symptoms include:
Persistent thirst
Frequent urination
Increased appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Blurred vision
Insulin therapy is essential for managing Type 1 diabetes and is required throughout life. Treatment also includes blood glucose monitoring and an individualized nutrition plan.
LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) is a form of autoimmune diabetes that develops in adulthood and usually progresses more slowly. It is considered part of the Type 1 diabetes spectrum.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It develops when the body's cells become resistant to insulin and the pancreas gradually becomes less able to produce sufficient amounts of the hormone.
Several factors may contribute to its development, including:
Genetic predisposition
Overweight and obesity
Physical inactivity
Insulin resistance
Age-related metabolic changes
Dietary and lifestyle factors
Symptoms may develop gradually, and some individuals may have no noticeable symptoms for a long time.
Treatment may include dietary changes, regular physical activity, glucose-lowering medications and, when clinically necessary, insulin therapy.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes first diagnosed during pregnancy that was not previously known to be present.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase insulin resistance, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels.
Timely diagnosis and management are important for protecting both maternal and fetal health. Treatment may involve dietary adjustments, physical activity and insulin therapy when necessary.
Blood glucose levels often return to normal after childbirth. However, women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Follow-up glucose testing after delivery is therefore important.
Some forms of diabetes develop due to other medical conditions or genetic factors, including:
Diabetes associated with pancreatic diseases
Monogenic forms of diabetes
Diabetes caused by certain medications
Diabetes associated with other endocrine disorders
Identifying the specific type is important for selecting the appropriate treatment.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of diabetes and the level of blood glucose.
Common symptoms include:
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Increased appetite
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Persistent fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow wound healing
Recurrent skin or urinary tract infections
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Type 2 diabetes may develop without noticeable symptoms for an extended period. Regular screening is therefore recommended for individuals with risk factors.
Diabetes is diagnosed through laboratory blood tests. An endocrinologist evaluates symptoms, risk factors and test results to establish the diagnosis.
The main diagnostic tests include:
This test measures blood glucose levels after at least eight hours without food.
The HbA1c test reflects average blood glucose levels over approximately the previous two to three months. It is used both to diagnose diabetes and to monitor treatment effectiveness.
In this test, blood glucose levels are measured at specific intervals after consuming a drink containing 75 grams of glucose. It can be used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes in appropriate clinical situations.
Depending on the clinical situation, additional tests may be recommended to identify the type of diabetes and assess possible complications.
Unless there is clear hyperglycemia or an acute metabolic emergency, abnormal diagnostic results generally require confirmation through repeat or additional testing.
Diabetes treatment is individualized according to the type of diabetes, blood glucose levels, other medical conditions and the patient's overall health.
The main goals are to maintain blood glucose within an appropriate target range, reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.
Nutrition plays an important role in diabetes management.
General recommendations include:
Increasing the intake of vegetables and fiber-rich foods
Limiting sugary drinks and added sugars
Being mindful of refined carbohydrate consumption
Managing portion sizes
Following a nutrition plan suited to individual energy and metabolic needs
Completely eliminating carbohydrates is not necessary for everyone. A personalized nutrition plan should be developed with an endocrinologist or a dietitian experienced in diabetes care.
Various glucose-lowering medications are used to manage Type 2 diabetes.
Treatment options may include:
Metformin
SGLT2 inhibitors
GLP-1 receptor agonists
DPP-4 inhibitors
Other glucose-lowering medications
Medication selection depends on individual factors, including cardiovascular and kidney health, body weight, the risk of hypoglycemia and other medical conditions.
Insulin is the essential treatment for Type 1 diabetes and is required throughout life.
People with Type 2 diabetes may also need insulin in certain situations, including:
Significantly elevated blood glucose levels
Inadequate glucose control with other medications
Certain clinical situations during pregnancy
Acute illness or other specific medical circumstances
The type and dose of insulin should be determined individually by a healthcare professional.
Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity, support weight management and help regulate blood glucose levels.
An exercise plan should be selected according to the patient's age, general health and any coexisting medical conditions.
Monitoring blood glucose is an important part of diabetes management.
Monitoring methods may include:
Blood glucose measurements using a glucometer
Regular HbA1c testing
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for suitable patients
Monitoring results help assess treatment effectiveness and guide adjustments to the management plan.
Persistently elevated blood glucose can damage various organs and body systems.
Major complications include:
Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the retina that may impair vision.
Diabetic nephropathy: Kidney damage associated with diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve damage that may cause pain, numbness or tingling.
Cardiovascular disease: Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Diabetic foot complications: Foot ulcers, infections and impaired wound healing.
Regular medical follow-up, appropriate glucose management and preventive screening can help reduce the risk of these complications.
An endocrinology consultation is recommended if you experience persistent thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or elevated blood glucose levels.
People already diagnosed with diabetes should also attend regular medical appointments to assess treatment effectiveness and identify potential complications early.
Vomiting, abdominal pain, deep and rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, severe dehydration or changes in consciousness may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis or another medical emergency. Seek emergency medical assistance immediately if these symptoms occur.
Effective diabetes management requires identifying the type of diabetes, evaluating laboratory results and developing an individualized treatment plan.
Dr. Aytan Babakhanova provides endocrinology consultations for the assessment of diabetes and other hormonal conditions, as well as the development of individualized management plans.
If you have elevated blood glucose levels, insulin resistance or concerns about diabetes, you can contact the clinic to arrange an endocrinology consultation.
Common early symptoms include persistent thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, increased appetite and unexplained weight changes. However, some people may develop Type 2 diabetes without noticeable symptoms.
Type 1 diabetes currently requires ongoing insulin treatment. Some people with Type 2 diabetes may achieve remission, particularly after significant and sustained weight loss. However, remission does not mean a permanent cure, and continued medical monitoring is important.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system damages insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to severe insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes is primarily associated with insulin resistance and a gradual decline in insulin production.
Insulin is essential for people with Type 1 diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the need for insulin depends on disease progression, blood glucose levels and the response to other treatments.
The HbA1c test reflects average blood glucose levels over approximately the previous two to three months. It is used to diagnose diabetes and monitor treatment effectiveness.
Sugary drinks, foods high in added sugar and highly processed foods should generally be limited. A balanced nutrition plan should be tailored to individual needs.
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