Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes a condition that affects over 463 million people worldwide, a number projected to rise to 700 million by 2045. Behind every statistic is a story — a child learning to live with insulin injections, an adult adjusting their lifestyle, or a caregiver supporting a loved one through daily management.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. Normally, our bodies produce a hormone called insulin, which allows glucose (sugar) from food to enter cells and provide energy. When this system doesn’t work properly, glucose builds up in the bloodstream — leading to diabetes.
There are two main types of diabetes, each with its own challenges and management strategies.
Type 1 Diabetes: When the Body Stops Producing Insulin
In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas, preventing it from producing insulin. This form often appears in children and young adults, though it can occur at any age. Without insulin, glucose can’t reach the body’s cells, leaving them starved for energy.
Common symptoms include:
- Extreme thirst and frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and hunger
- Blurry vision or slow-healing sores
While there’s no cure, Type 1 diabetes can be successfully managed through insulin therapy, healthy eating, and blood sugar monitoring. Living with Type 1 diabetes means learning to balance nutrition, exercise, and medication — but it also means resilience, education, and community support.
Type 2 Diabetes: When the Body Doesn’t Use Insulin Properly
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough. It’s more common in adults, though rates are rising among younger people.
Risk factors include:
- Excess weight and abdominal fat
- Family history
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Increasing age
- Prediabetes
Unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes can often be managed — and sometimes prevented — through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can dramatically improve blood sugar control.
A Glimpse Into the History of Diabetes
The story of diabetes is as old as medicine itself. In ancient India, physicians described it as madhumeha — meaning “honey urine” — because the urine of people with diabetes attracted ants. Greek doctors once recommended horseback riding as a treatment, believing it could reduce excessive urination.
Centuries later, science caught up. In 1922, 14-year-old Leonard Thompson became the first person to receive an insulin injection, saving his life and paving the way for millions of others. By 1978, scientists developed Humulin, the first synthetic human insulin, identical to what the body naturally makes.
Today, advances in technology — from continuous glucose monitors to insulin pumps — have given people with diabetes new tools to live full, active lives.
Diabetes is not just a medical condition; it’s a daily balancing act. It takes strength, patience, and understanding — both from those who live with it and from those who love them.
Managing blood sugar, counting carbs, or planning meals can sometimes feel overwhelming. But education, support, and community can make all the difference.
