Definition of Diabetes
Diabetes was first identified as a disease by the ancient Egyptians around 1500 BCE. However, the term “diabetes mellitus” was later coined by the Greek physician Aretaeus of Cappadocia in the 1st century CE.
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels.
Before the discovery of insulin in 1921, a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes was often a death sentence. The discovery by Canadian scientists Frederick Banting and Charles Best revolutionized diabetes treatment and saved millions of lives.
When insulin function is impaired, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. There are two main types: Type 1, where the body produces little or no insulin, and Type 2, where the body becomes resistant to insulin. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, and vision problems. The disease requires lifelong management through diet, physical activity, medication, or insulin therapy. Early diagnosis and proper treatment significantly reduce the risk of complications.
Prevalence and Importance of the Topic
Diabetes is one of the most widespread non-communicable diseases globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021, the number of people suffering from diabetes exceeded 500 million, with projections reaching 700 million by 2045. In the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 37 million people live with diagnosed diabetes, accounting for about 11% of the population.
General Diabetes Statistics
| Region | Number of Cases (Million) | Percentage of Population (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Global | 537 | 10.5 |
| USA | 37 | 11.3 |
| Europe | 61 | 9.2 |
| Russia | 9.1 | 6.2 |
| Asia | 206 | 11.3 |
Diabetes is not only a medical issue but also a social one, as it leads to reduced quality of life, disability, and premature mortality. Early diagnosis and prevention play a crucial role in combating this disease.
Main Causes of Elevated Glucose Levels
The primary cause of diabetes is insulin dysfunction—a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the body stops producing insulin, requiring its constant external administration. Type 2 diabetes develops due to decreased sensitivity of cells to insulin, leading to glucose accumulation in the blood. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, excess weight, low physical activity, stress, and poor diet. It is also crucial to understand the risk factors that contribute to diabetes development. You can learn more about this in Article “Risk Factors and Prevention of Diabetes”.
Pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes, which in some cases progresses to type 2 diabetes after childbirth.
Types of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes, each with its own characteristics:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body cannot produce enough insulin, leading to an accumulation of glucose in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children or adolescents, but it can also occur in adults. People with this type of diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes
This is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. This type of diabetes is often associated with obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition. It usually develops in adults, but in recent years, it has been increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes lead to insulin resistance. Although it usually resolves after childbirth, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and the child.
Other Types of Diabetes
There are also other, less common forms of diabetes, such as monogenic diabetes (caused by a single gene mutation) and diabetes secondary to other medical conditions or medications.
Why Is It Important to Diagnose and Treat Diabetes on Time?
Delayed diagnosis and lack of diabetes control can lead to serious complications. High glucose levels negatively affect blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and heart attacks. Diabetes can cause kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy), vision deterioration (diabetic retinopathy), and nervous system disorders (neuropathy). Additionally, elevated sugar levels weaken the immune system, increasing infection risks and slowing wound healing. Monitoring blood sugar levels, timely treatment, and lifestyle modifications significantly reduce the likelihood of complications and improve quality of life.
Methods of Diabetes Diagnosis
There are several diagnostic methods that help detect diabetes in a timely manner. A fasting blood glucose test is the primary diagnostic tool, as it determines blood sugar levels. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) indicates the average glucose level over the past three months, helping assess long-term diabetes control. A glucose tolerance test is used to detect prediabetes and hidden forms of diabetes. A urine test can also help identify sugar and ketone bodies, indicating metabolic disturbances. Regular screenings are particularly important for individuals at risk, as early detection of diabetes helps prevent severe complications.
What’s Next?
In the next article, we will take a closer look at the different types of diabetes and their characteristics – Types of Diabetes: Features and Differences.