The number of people who have to use blood glucose meters every day to monitor their health is growing. Diabetes isn’t just a diagnosis—it’s a lifestyle that involves constant glucose monitoring, diet management, and paying attention to the body’s signals. But how does this disease develop? Why does one person develop it while another does not?
Diabetes results from a disruption in the production or action of insulin—the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. Depending on the mechanism of the disruption, there are two main types of the disease and several other conditions.
This type is more common in children and young adults. It develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
The cause of this autoimmune disorder is not fully understood, but scientists link it to a combination of genetic predisposition and viral exposure.
This is the most common form, which develops primarily in adults. In this type, insulin is produced, but the body’s tissues become insensitive to it—a condition known as insulin resistance. Over time, the pancreas becomes exhausted, and insulin production becomes insufficient.
Type 2 diabetes can remain asymptomatic for a long time and is often first detected by chance during a routine checkup. Blood insulin levels may even be elevated in the early stages, making timely diagnosis difficult without a glycated hemoglobin test.
A key factor in the development of this type of diabetes is an unhealthy diet high in carbohydrates, sugar, and fatty foods. The situation is further exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy habits, chronic stress, and sleep disturbances. If these factors are addressed in a timely manner, the risk is significantly reduced even in the presence of a genetic predisposition.
A person may experience a prediabetic state—when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to warrant a diagnosis. This is a critical point at which lifestyle changes can halt or delay the progression of the disease.
Insulin resistance can remain asymptomatic for a long time. However, it is the foundation of metabolic syndrome, which is accompanied by obesity, high blood pressure, and lipid metabolism disorders—all of which increase the risk of developing the disease.
Laboratory tests are used for diagnosis: fasting glucose level, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test, and oral glucose tolerance test. At home, people with diabetes measure their blood sugar daily using glucose meters.
The non-invasive Dexcom and Freestyle Libre glucose monitors allow for continuous blood sugar tracking without finger pricks—a special sensor is attached to the skin and transmits data to a smartphone or reading device. This significantly improves quality of life and makes it easier to manage blood glucose levels.
Many symptoms of the disease in the early stages seem minor and are easily attributed to fatigue or aging. However, seeing a doctor in a timely manner can detect metabolic disorders before they lead to serious complications. See a doctor if you notice the following signs:
The earlier a carbohydrate metabolism disorder is detected, the greater the chances of preventing the development of the disease or successfully managing it.
Diabetes develops gradually. It is the result of disruptions in the body’s functioning that do not develop overnight. A person can notice the first signs in time if they regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Monitoring diet and overall health helps prevent serious complications.
