1.1 Define diabetes

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Define diabetes.

Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects the way the body manages blood glucose, also called blood sugar. Glucose comes from the food we eat and is used by the body’s cells for energy. The body uses a hormone called insulin, made by the pancreas, to help glucose move from the blood into the cells. In diabetes, this process does not work as it should. The result is that glucose builds up in the blood, which can cause a range of health problems over time.

There are different types of diabetes. The two most common are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. There is also gestational diabetes, which affects some pregnant women. All types have the same basic problem of high blood glucose, but the causes and management can differ.

When defining diabetes, it is important to highlight that it is not just a short-term illness. It is a chronic condition, meaning it lasts for life. People with diabetes need ongoing support and management to help prevent complications and to maintain a good quality of life.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas stops making insulin. This is usually caused by the immune system attacking and destroying the insulin-producing cells. The exact cause is not fully known, but it often appears in children or young adults. It can develop very quickly.

A person with type 1 diabetes will need insulin every day to stay alive. They can take insulin through injections or an insulin pump. Without insulin, their body cannot use glucose for energy, and dangerous levels of glucose can build up in their blood.

Key points for type 1 diabetes:

• Caused by the body attacking its own insulin-producing cells
• Usually develops in childhood or early adulthood
• Managed with daily insulin, a balanced diet, and blood glucose monitoring
• Cannot currently be prevented

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. It happens when the body either does not make enough insulin or the insulin it makes does not work as it should. This is known as insulin resistance. In some cases, the pancreas may stop producing enough insulin over time.

Type 2 diabetes often develops in adults, but more young people are now being diagnosed. This can be linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, lack of activity, and body weight. Family history can also increase risk.

Type 2 diabetes may be managed through changes to diet and activity levels, medication, and sometimes insulin.

Key points for type 2 diabetes:

• The body does not use insulin properly
• Can be linked to lifestyle and family history
• Often develops more slowly than type 1
• Management may include healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management, medication, and sometimes insulin

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose that develops during pregnancy. It usually appears during the middle or later stages of pregnancy and often disappears after the baby is born. However, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

This happens when hormones from the placenta make it harder for the mother’s insulin to work. Some women’s bodies cannot make enough extra insulin to cope.

Key points for gestational diabetes:

• Develops during pregnancy
• Often goes away after childbirth
• Increases risk of future type 2 diabetes
• Can affect the mother’s and baby’s health if not managed well

Common Symptoms of Diabetes

Many people have symptoms before being diagnosed. These can include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Passing urine more often than usual, especially at night
• Feeling very tired
• Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk (more common in type 1)
• Slow healing of cuts or sores
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infections, such as thrush

Not everyone will have clear symptoms, especially in type 2 diabetes, which can develop slowly.

Why Blood Glucose Matters

The body needs glucose for energy. But too much glucose in the blood can damage blood vessels and nerves. Over time, this damage can lead to serious complications. Keeping blood glucose within a healthy range reduces this risk.

Insulin acts like a key that unlocks the cell doors, letting glucose enter. Without enough insulin, or if the insulin does not work properly, the ‘doors’ remain shut, and glucose builds up in the blood.

Causes of Diabetes

The causes differ between types:

• Type 1 diabetes: The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. The reason is not clear, but a mix of genetic and environmental factors may be involved.
• Type 2 diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin, and the pancreas struggles to produce enough. This can be linked to weight, physical activity levels, diet, and genetics.
• Gestational diabetes: Hormone changes during pregnancy interfere with insulin activity.

Risk Factors

Some factors make diabetes more likely:

For type 1 diabetes:

• Family history of type 1 diabetes
• Certain genetic markers

For type 2 diabetes:

• Being overweight or having excess body fat, especially around the waist
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Older age (risk increases after 40, but younger people can be affected)
• Family history of type 2 diabetes
• Certain ethnic backgrounds such as South Asian, African-Caribbean, and Black African

For gestational diabetes:

• Being overweight before pregnancy
• Family history of diabetes
• Certain ethnic backgrounds
• Having had gestational diabetes before

Diagnosis of Diabetes

Healthcare professionals diagnose diabetes using blood tests. The two main tests are:

• Fasting plasma glucose test: Measures blood glucose after not eating for at least 8 hours.
• HbA1c test: Measures the average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months.

Other tests, like the oral glucose tolerance test, may be used for gestational diabetes.

A diagnosis is made if glucose levels are consistently above set targets.

Managing Diabetes

Effective management aims to keep blood glucose as near to normal as possible.

Key parts include:

• Healthy eating patterns
• Being active regularly
• Monitoring blood glucose levels
• Taking medication or insulin as prescribed
• Attending regular health checks

Management plans are individual and based on the type of diabetes, age, lifestyle, and other health needs.

Short-term and Long-term Effects

Short-term effects, if diabetes is not managed, can be dangerous:

• Hypoglycaemia: Low blood glucose, often caused by too much insulin, delayed meals, or extra activity without adjusting food or medication. Symptoms include sweating, shaking, confusion, irritability, and, if not treated, loss of consciousness.
• Hyperglycaemia: High blood glucose. This can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes, which is life-threatening and needs urgent treatment.

Long-term high glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Eye problems that can lead to blindness
• Foot problems and poor wound healing
• Nerve damage

Prevention

Type 1 diabetes cannot yet be prevented. Type 2 diabetes can often be delayed or prevented with lifestyle changes:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
• Reducing sugary and processed foods
• Staying active most days

Gestational diabetes risk can be lowered by healthy habits before and during pregnancy.

Living with Diabetes

Living with diabetes means making choices each day to help manage the condition. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are important. People learn to monitor their own blood glucose and adjust their food intake, activity, and medication.

Support from family, friends, and healthcare teams can make a big difference. Education about the condition helps people take control and reduce the risk of complications.

The Role of Health and Social Care Workers

Workers need to:

• Understand what diabetes is and how it affects the body
• Recognise signs and symptoms
• Support individuals in monitoring and controlling blood glucose
• Be aware of special dietary needs and medication routines
• Encourage healthy lifestyle choices
• Be respectful and avoid judgement
• Follow care plans and record changes in health

Health and social care workers may also help by noticing early signs of complications and referring individuals to medical staff.

Final Thoughts

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects how the body uses blood glucose. It can lead to serious health problems if not managed well, but with the right care and support people can live healthy, fulfilling lives. Each type of diabetes has different causes and treatment methods, but all require daily attention.

Defining diabetes clearly is important for health and social care work. It means you can spot signs early, respond in the right way, and give people the support they need. By understanding the basics of what diabetes is, and the differences between its types, you are better prepared to make a positive difference in someone’s life.