As a physician, one of the most common conditions I encounter in my clinic is diabetes. It’s often misunderstood — either taken too lightly or feared unnecessarily. In this article, we’ll break it down together, in simple terms, so you understand exactly what diabetes is, why it happens, the different types, and the symptoms to look out for — especially in children. Whether you’re living with diabetes or just trying to learn more, this is a great place to start.

What Is Diabetes?

In simple terms, diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes properly.
Insulin is a hormone produced by an organ called the pancreas. Its job is to help glucose (sugar) from the food you eat move into your body’s cells for energy. When insulin doesn’t work well or isn’t produced in the right amount, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used by your body.

That’s when we say a person has high blood sugar, or in medical terms — diabetes mellitus.

Why Is Diabetes a Big Deal?

If left unmanaged, high blood sugar can silently damage your organs over time. It can affect your eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, brain, and even wound healing. But the good news is — with early detection and proper care, diabetes can be well controlled.

Types of Diabetes

Let’s now look at the types of diabetes. There are several, but we’ll focus on the most important ones in a way that’s easy to understand.

1. Type 1 Diabetes

This is usually diagnosed in children or young adults, although it can happen at any age. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

• These individuals produce little to no insulin, so they need daily insulin injections to survive.

• It’s not caused by eating sugar or being overweight.

• It usually comes on suddenly.

Symptoms in children that may indicate Type 1 diabetes:

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination (even bedwetting in a previously dry child)

• Weight loss despite eating well

• Tiredness or fatigue

• Fruity-smelling breath

If you notice these in your child, don’t delay — get a blood sugar test done immediately.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

This is the most common type of diabetes, especially in adults. It usually develops gradually over the years and is strongly linked to lifestyle — being overweight, inactive, or having a family history.

In Type 2 diabetes:

• The pancreas still makes insulin, but the body becomes resistant to it.

• Over time, insulin production may decrease.

The good news? It’s preventable and often manageable with diet, exercise, weight control, and medication if needed.

3. Gestational Diabetes

This type affects pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but develop high blood sugar during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life — both for the mother and the child.

Pregnant women should get screened for diabetes during the second trimester.

4. Prediabetes

Not exactly diabetes, but a warning sign! In prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

This is the stage where reversal is possible. With lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular activity, you can prevent the progression to Type 2 diabetes.

5. Other Rare Types

Some less common types include:

• MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young): A genetic form that often runs in families and appears at a young age.

• LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults): Often mistaken for Type 2, but it behaves more like Type 1.

• Secondary Diabetes: Due to diseases of the pancreas or certain medications like steroids.

These are diagnosed by your doctor based on specific tests and clinical history.

What Causes Diabetes?

The causes vary depending on the type:

• Type 1: Autoimmune destruction (not preventable)

• Type 2: Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetics, poor diet

• Gestational Diabetes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy

• Prediabetes: Same risk factors as Type 2

Family history, unhealthy eating habits, and physical inactivity play a big role, especially in Type 2 diabetes.

What Are the Diabetes Symptoms?

Recognizing the early diabetes symptoms can help you get diagnosed and start treatment early.

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination (especially at night)

• Excessive thirst

• Unexplained weight loss

• Extreme tiredness

• Blurred vision

• Slow healing of wounds or cuts

• Frequent infections (skin, gums, urinary tract)

In Type 2 diabetes, the symptoms may be mild and go unnoticed for years. That’s why regular screening is key, especially if you’re over 40 or have risk factors.

Red Flags in Children

As mentioned earlier, if a child shows:

• Increased thirst

• Bedwetting or frequent urination

• Sudden weight loss

• Irritability or fatigue

— consider testing for Type 1 diabetes immediately. Delayed diagnosis can lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

When Should You Get Tested?

You should consider a blood sugar test if:

• You are over 40

• You are overweight or obese

• You have a family history of diabetes

• You had gestational diabetes

• You have high blood pressure or cholesterol

Tests include:

• Fasting blood sugar

• HbA1c (3-month average blood sugar)

• Oral glucose tolerance test (especially in pregnancy)

Final Thoughts from a Doctor

Diabetes isn’t just about sugar. It’s about understanding your body, your lifestyle, and your risks. The earlier you catch it, the better your chances of preventing complications and living a long, healthy life.

If you’ve read this far, you’ve already taken the first step in learning about diabetes.Take the next step by spreading awareness and protecting your health or that of your loved ones.

In upcoming blogs, we’ll dive deeper into prevention, diet, exercise, and how to live well with diabetes — stay tuned!