Diabetes | Causes, Symptoms, & Effective Treatment Options

Diabetes is a chronic, non-infectious disease that is affecting the populations worldwide at an alarming pace. The global epidemic of overweight/obesity and unhealthy lifestyles is the primary cause of the high and further growing incidence of diabetes worldwide, as well as in developing countries like India. According to projections, 77 million people in India had diabetes in 2019; by 2045, that number is predicted to increase to nearly 134 million. About 57% of people remain undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes is one of the root causes behind the majority of multiorgan complications.

These complications are a major contributor to diabetes-related early deaths and disabilities, which lower the longevity and increase the healthcare expenses of people. Along with genetics and family history, age, obesity, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and behavioral patterns all have a significant impact on the risk of diabetes.

Diabetes-related complications can be prevented or managed with proper blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipid control. The prevention and management of diabetes and associated complications is a huge challenge if the disease has advanced. Therefore, early detection and arresting the disease in the earlier stages is the key to enhancing the quality of life.

What is Adult-Onset Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by the failure of the body to take up the sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream to generate energy. Glucose is a vital source of energy for the cells that form muscles and tissues. It is also the major source of energy for the brain tissue.

When glucose enters your bloodstream, it requires assistance—a "key"—to reach its intended destination. Insulin, a hormone, acts as that key. Diabetes develops when your pancreas does not produce enough or any insulin, or when your body does not adequately respond to insulin's effects. Diabetes affects individuals of all ages.

The primary cause of diabetes depends greatly on its type. However, regardless of the type of diabetes, it might result in high blood sugar levels. Too much sugar in the bloodstream can cause major health complications.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both chronic diseases. Prediabetes and gestational diabetes are two potentially reversible diabetes disorders. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are above normal. However, the blood sugar levels are not high enough to be considered diabetic. Furthermore, prediabetes might progress to diabetes if no preventative measures are implemented. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. However, it may resolve once the baby is delivered.

What are the Early Signs of Diabetes in Adults?

Following are the early signs that appear at the onset of diabetes:

Increased thirst
Dry mouth
Frequent urination
Excessive tiredness
Blurred vision
Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
Unexplained weight loss
Slow-healing sores or cuts
Frequent skin and/or vaginal yeast infections

What are the Risk Factors of Diabetes in Adults?

The risk factors for diabetes vary according to its type. These risk factors include family history and environmental factors. Sometimes family members of type 1 diabetes patients should be tested for the presence of autoantibodies (diabetes immune system cells). If you have these autoantibodies in your blood, you have a high risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Also, it is not compulsory that anyone who has these autoantibodies will develop diabetes.

Race and ethnicity may also increase your risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes. Certain populations, notably Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian Americans, are at a greater risk. Overweight and obese persons are more likely to develop prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

What are the Causes of Diabetes in Adults?

Following are the main causes of diabetes in adults:

Cause Category	Explanation	Related Diabetes Type(s) (Full Forms Included)
Insulin Resistance	Cells in muscles, fat, and liver do not respond properly to insulin. Factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, hormonal imbalance, genetics, and certain medications.	Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
Autoimmune Attack	The immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.	Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), LADA – Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults
Hormonal Imbalances	Pregnancy hormones cause insulin resistance → gestational diabetes. Other hormonal disorders like Cushing syndrome and acromegaly also impair insulin regulation.	GDM – Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
Pancreatic Damage	Pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery, or injury reduces insulin production.	Type 3c Diabetes (Pancreatogenic Diabetes)
Genetic Mutations	Mutations in specific genes affect insulin production/function.	MODY – Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young; Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM)
Long-term Medication Use	Drugs such as corticosteroids and HIV/AIDS medications increase insulin resistance or reduce insulin secretion.	Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) – Secondary Diabetes

Treatment Options for Diabetes in Adults

Following are five main aspects of diabetes management in adults:

Blood sugar monitoring: Monitoring your blood sugar (glucose) is key to determining how well your current treatment plan is working. It gives you information on how to manage your diabetes on a daily—and sometimes even hourly—basis.
Oral diabetes medications: Oral diabetes medications, or oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs), help in managing blood sugar levels in diabetics who still have the ability to produce some insulin. These medications are used to manage type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Insulin: Individuals with type 1 diabetes must inject synthetic insulin in order to survive and control their condition. Some people who have type 2 diabetes also need insulin.
Diet: Meal planning and adopting a balanced diet are important parts of diabetes care since food has a significant influence on blood sugar levels.
Exercise: Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity (and reduces insulin resistance); hence, regular exercise is essential for all diabetics.

Conclusion

Being diagnosed with diabetes is tragic, but it does not deprive you from living a happy and healthy lifestyle. Diabetes management requires continual attention and dedication. While it may be daunting at first, you will eventually gain a better understanding of how to manage the illness and be in sync with your own body.

Get expert guidance from top diabetologists in Mumbai at Surya Hospitals. Book your consultation now!

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
A: Type 1 is autoimmune and insulin-dependent, while Type 2 usually develops from insulin resistance and lifestyle factors.

Q2: Can diabetes occur without symptoms?
A: Yes, many adults with type 2 diabetes have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Q3: Is diabetes reversible?
A: Some people with early type 2 diabetes can achieve remission with significant lifestyle changes and weight loss, but it must be medically supervised.