Diabetes basics

Diabetes is a long-lasting condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks most food into glucose, which enters the blood. Insulin helps move glucose into cells for energy. With diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin or does not use it well, so glucose builds up in the blood. High blood sugar over time can harm blood vessels and organs, but many problems are preventable with early care and healthy habits.

Types of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes. An autoimmune process stops the body from making insulin. It can start at any age and requires lifelong insulin therapy, along with healthy routines and regular checkups.

Type 2 diabetes. The body becomes resistant to insulin and, over time, may not make enough. It is the most common type in adults and is increasing in younger people. Many people can prevent or delay type 2 with weight management, healthy eating, and physical activity.

Gestational diabetes. This develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth, but it raises the future risk of type 2 for the parent and child. Screening and management during pregnancy protect both parent and baby.

Symptoms

Some people have no symptoms at first, which is why screening matters. When symptoms occur, they can include increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, and unexpected weight changes. Sudden, severe symptoms need urgent care.

What causes diabetes and who is at risk

Diabetes has different causes. Type 1 is linked to autoimmune processes. Type 2 develops from a mix of insulin resistance, genetics, aging, and lifestyle factors. Risk is higher with a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity, excess body weight, some medications, and certain ethnic backgrounds. Your clinician can help you understand your personal risk and screening schedule.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes means blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The good news is that weight management, healthier eating, and more physical activity can often reverse prediabetes or delay type 2. Ask about simple screening tests and local prevention programs.

Testing and monitoring

Diagnosis uses blood tests such as A1C, fasting plasma glucose, or an oral glucose tolerance test. After diagnosis, regular A1C checks show how well blood sugar has been controlled over the past 2 to 3 months. You and your care team may also check blood pressure, cholesterol, kidneys, eyes, feet, teeth and gums, and vaccinations as part of routine diabetes care.

Treatment (not too clinical)

The goal of treatment is steady blood sugar in a healthy range and prevention of complications. Most people start with lifestyle steps and may add medicines if needed.

• Healthy routines. Build a daily pattern of balanced meals, regular activity, good sleep, and stress management. These habits improve energy, weight, and blood sugar.
• Education and support. Diabetes self-management education teaches skills like meal planning, monitoring, and problem-solving. Support groups and coaching help you stay on track.
• Medications and devices. Your clinician may prescribe medicines or insulin when needed and may suggest tools like home glucose monitors or continuous glucose monitoring. Plans are personalized and reviewed at regular visits.

Diet and nutrition

There is no single “diabetes diet.” A heart-healthy, fiber-rich eating pattern works well for many people.

• Build your plate. Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables and fruit, one quarter with whole grains or other high-fiber carbs, and one quarter with lean protein. Include healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, or seeds in small amounts. Read labels and watch portion sizes.
• Choose smart carbs. Favor whole grains, beans, lentils, and vegetables. These raise blood sugar more slowly and keep you full longer. Limit refined grains, sugary drinks, and desserts.
• Limit sodium and saturated fat. This supports blood pressure and cholesterol. Choose fewer processed foods and more home-cooked meals.
• Stay consistent. Eating at regular times can make blood sugar easier to manage. A registered dietitian can tailor a plan to your culture, budget, and preferences.

Physical activity

Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity such as brisk walking, plus muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days. Break up long sitting time by standing or walking for a few minutes each hour. Check blood sugar more often when you change your activity level, and ask how to adjust food or medicines around exercise.

Long-term complications and how to prevent them

High blood sugar over time can damage blood vessels and nerves. The major areas to watch include:

• Heart and blood vessels. Diabetes raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in target ranges and avoid tobacco.
• Kidneys. Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Regular urine and blood tests can catch problems early. Managing blood sugar and blood pressure slows kidney damage. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease.
• Eyes. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the retina and cause vision loss. Yearly dilated eye exams can find issues early.
• Nerves and feet. Nerve damage can cause pain or numbness, especially in the feet. Check your feet daily and see a clinician for sores, redness, or swelling.
• Oral health and infections. Gum disease and some infections are more common with diabetes. Regular dental care and vaccinations help prevent problems.

The same healthy habits that treat diabetes also prevent complications. Keep regular checkups and act early on any changes.

HIV and diabetes

People with HIV can develop diabetes for the same reasons as everyone else, and some may face added risks. HIV-related inflammation, changes in body fat, and some past or current treatments are linked with higher chances of insulin resistance and abnormal lipids. Because of this, many HIV programs check blood sugar and cholesterol regularly and encourage early lifestyle changes. Coordinated care between your HIV team and primary care team works best.

What to do if you live with HIV.
Ask your clinicians about baseline and periodic blood sugar testing, strategies to lower heart and diabetes risk, and how your overall plan fits with your HIV treatment. Healthy eating, regular activity, good sleep, managing stress, and not smoking help both conditions.

Your next steps

• Ask for a simple screening if you have risk factors or symptoms.
• If you have diabetes or prediabetes, set one small goal for food or activity this week and track it.
• Schedule regular follow-ups and bring your questions to each visit.