Diabetes Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention.
                     DIABETES: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, AND 
PREVENTION
WHAT IS DIABETES?
• Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose 
levels persistently rise to more than normal 
levels. 
• It occurs when cells don’t respond to insulin 
the pancreas fail to produce enough insulin 
required by the body.
Source: www.medlife.com
WHAT CAUSES DIABETES?
• Glucose is considered as fuel or energy for the 
cells. Glucose level in the body is regulated by 
insulin hormone as insulin helps in uptake of 
glucose by the cells. 
Source: www.medlife.com
TYPES OF DIABETES
• Type 1 diabetes: It is a condition in which immune 
cells destroy the beta cells of pancreas that produce 
insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes: It is a condition in which there are 
sufficient levels of glucose in the body, but the cells 
cannot utilize this insulin due to insulin resistance
Source: www.medlife.com
OTHER TYPES OF DIABETES
• Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose 
levels are high, but not too high to be diagnosed as 
type 2 diabetes. It is considered as a warning sign for 
type 2 diabetes.
Source: www.medlife.com
SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES:
• Weight loss
• Increased thirst 
• Excessive hunger 
• Increased urination, especially at night 
• Visual disturbances
• Extreme fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache
Source: www.medlife.com
RISK FACTORS OF TYPE 1 
DIABETES
• You’re more likely to get type 1 diabetes if you’re a 
child or teenager, you have a parent or sibling with 
the condition, or you carry certain genes that are 
linked to the disease.
Source: www. healthline.com
RISK FACTORS OF TYPE 2 
DIABETES
• Overweight
• Age 45 or older
• Have a parent or sibling with the condition
• Not physically active
• Have had gestational diabetes
• Have prediabetes
• Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high 
triglycerides
Source: www. healthline.com
COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES
• Diabetic neuropathy – High blood glucose leads to 
damage of the nerves, especially peripheral nervous 
system leading to neuropathy.
• Diabetic nephropathy – High blood glucose levels 
damage blood vessels that supply kidney leading to 
kidney damage. This leads to accumulation of wastes 
in the blood.
• Diabetic retinopathy – High blood sugars can damage 
blood vessels of eye leading to cataracts and 
glaucoma.
Source: www. medlife.com
DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES
• Fasting plasma glucose (FPG): In this test, glucose 
levels are measured after fasting for some hours (at 
least 6 to 8 hours). 
• Random blood sugar test (RBS): In this test, glucose 
levels are measured at any time during the day. 
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): The patient is 
kept on fast for at least 8 hours and the blood sample 
is drawn. 
• Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): The glycated 
hemoglobin indicates the average levels of blood 
glucose levels in past two to three months.
Source: www. medlife.com
DIABETES TREATMENTS
• Insulin therapy: Insulin therapy is the major 
treatment option for patients with type 1diabetes. 
• Transplantation: Patients with type 1 diabetes may be 
considered for pancreas or islet cell transplantation. 
Source: www. medlife.com
DIABETES REMEDIES
• Bitter gourd, cinnamon, aloe vera, okra, and 
fenugreek seeds are known to decrease glucose levels 
naturally.
• Proper foot care helps to prevent complications.
• Don’t skip meals if you are on antidiabetic 
medications, as this may cause hypoglycemia.
Source: www. medlife.com