Diabetes Types & Symptoms: How Diet and Treatment Reverse It?

Understanding Diabetes Mellitus: Learn the causes, symptoms, and ways to manage and control this chronic condition effectively.

If you want to be careful about your health, it is very important to have a complete understanding of diabetes. It is a chronic disease, which can be said to be suffered from by at least one person in every household these days. It is not just a word called diabetes, but a medical condition that completely changes the lifestyle. In this article, you will be able to know many things, like the symptoms of diabetes, the causes of diabetes, the suffering caused by diabetes, the ways to reduce diabetes, and the precautions to take for diabetes

Summary table: Diabetes

Particulars	Description
Role of the Pancreas in Diabetes	The pancreas controls insulin production, which regulates blood sugar levels.
Main Types of Diabetes	Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes are the primary forms.
Causes of  Diabetes	Genetics, poor diet, obesity, and inactivity are key causes.
Early Signs of Diabetes	Frequent urination, thirst, fatigue, and blurry vision are common signs.
Complications of Diabetes	Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Diabetic Tests	Fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and glucose tolerance tests are used.
Common Blood Sugar Levels	Normal fasting: <100 mg/dL; diabetic: >126 mg/dL; prediabetic: 100–125 mg/dL.
GI & GL	Glycemic load (GL) offers a better picture than glycemic index (GI).
Prevent Diabetes Naturally	Eat healthy, stay active, maintain weight, and manage stress levels.
Diabetic Diet	A balanced diet is low in sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.
Diabetes Reversal	Some people reverse Type 2 diabetes through diet and lifestyle changes.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a health problem in which blood sugar levels are high. It is caused by a lack of insulin production in the body or its improper use. It comes in many forms, but all types affect blood glucose levels.

• Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to diabetes, a chronic illness.

•  When the body's insulin hormone isn't functioning correctly, glucose builds up in the blood rather than getting to the cells.

• High glucose levels in the long term can have serious effects on eyesight, kidneys, the nervous system, and the heart.

Routine Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regular testing helps manage diabetes effectively and prevent complications.

What is the Role of the Pancreas in Diabetes?

One of the most vital glands in the body is the pancreas.. It not only releases enzymes necessary for our digestive system but also produces a hormone called insulin. This hormone is directly related to the disease diabetes.

What is the role of the pancreas?

The pancreas works in two ways—releasing digestive enzymes and producing hormones.

• The cells called beta cells in it produce a hormone called insulin.

• Insulin is responsible for moving glucose from the blood to the cells and converting it into energy.

How is the pancreas affected in diabetes?

• In Type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas. This stops the production of insulin completely.

• Despite the pancreas producing insulin, the body does not use it effectively in those with type 2 diabetes.. This is called insulin resistance.

• A pancreas that has been overworked for a long time eventually weakens, causing a decrease in insulin production.

Pancreatic Cells – Functions

Pancreatic Cell Type	Function
Alpha Cells (α-cells)	Produce glucagon, which raises blood sugar levels.
Beta Cells (β-cells)	Produce insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels.
Delta Cells (δ-cells)	Secretes somatostatin, which regulates insulin and glucagon.
PP Cells (γ-cells)	Produce pancreatic polypeptide, which controls appetite and digestion.
Epsilon Cells (ε-cells)	Produce ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger.

What are the Main Types of Diabetes?

There are different types of diabetes, each with different symptoms and treatment options.

• Type 1 diabetes means the body does not produce enough insulin, and it is most common in young children.

• Insulin function decline is the primary cause of type 2 diabetes, which is the most prevalent type.

• Gestational diabetes occurs temporarily in pregnant women but increases the risk of diabetes in the future for the baby.

• Prediabetes means that the sugar level is above normal but has not reached the level of diabetes.

Types of Diabetes & Their Features

Type of Diabetes	Key Features
Type 1 Diabetes	Autoimmune, insulin-dependent; onset in childhood or adolescence; high blood sugar >126 mg/dL fasting.
Type 2 Diabetes	Insulin resistance; usually after age 40; linked to lifestyle; gradual onset.
Gestational Diabetes	Occurs during pregnancy; often resolves after delivery; may lead to Type 2 later.
Prediabetes	Borderline sugar levels (100–125 mg/dL fasting); early warning sign.
MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young)	Genetic; affects teens and young adults; not always insulin-dependent.
LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)	Slow-developing Type 1 in adults; initially misdiagnosed as Type 2.
Neonatal Diabetes	Rare; occurs in infants under 6 months; may be temporary or permanent.
Steroid-Induced Diabetes	Caused by long-term use of corticosteroids; reversible if medication stops.
Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes (CFRD)	Seen in people with cystic fibrosis; mix of Type 1 and Type 2 traits.
Post-Pancreatectomy Diabetes	Occurs after surgical removal of pancreas; insulin-dependent.
Wolfram Syndrome	Rare genetic disorder; includes diabetes, vision, and neurological issues.

What Causes Diabetes to Develop?

Many physical, lifestyle, and genetic factors are responsible for the development of this disease.

• The disease can run in families through heredity.

• Being overweight or obese and not exercising increases the risk of developing diabetes.

• Eating too much processed food and consuming too much sugar also increases the risk.

• Lifestyle problems such as stress and lack of sleep can also lead to this disease.

What are the Early Signs of Diabetes?

In its early stages, diabetes may not exhibit any overt symptoms.  However, you might see some significant indicators.

• Frequent urination, especially at night.

• Weight loss may occur despite excessive thirst and hunger.

• You may feel tired, have aches, and be moody.

• Even minor wounds do not heal quickly, and skin infections are common.

Caution with Fast Bakery Foods: Excess sugar and refined carbs in processed bakery items can spike blood sugar and increase diabetes risk.

What are the Diabetic Complications?

If diabetes is not properly controlled, many health problems may arise. These can become very dangerous.

• Long-term diabetes increases the risk of kidney failure.

• Decreased vision and blurred vision are common.

• Heart attacks and strokes are among the problems that diabetes can cause.

• Neurological problems and foot amputations can also be serious.

Which Test Confirms Diagnosis?

Timely testing can help detect diabetes early.

• The fasting blood sugar test can be used to find out the blood sugar level on an empty stomach.

• The last three months' blood sugar levels can be evaluated with the HbA1c test..

• The oral glucose tolerance test evaluates how the body processes sugar.

• Along with these tests, urine tests and kidney function tests are also required.

What are the Common Blood Sugar Levels?

Testing blood glucose levels is essential for effective monitoring and management of the health of people with diabetes. These tests are useful in assessing the patient's sugar level, insulin response, and risk of diabetes.

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test (FBS): This test is performed on an empty stomach (without eating for 8 to 12 hours).

• Postprandial Blood Sugar Test (PPBS): This test is performed 2 hours after eating. It assesses how the body processes the sugar in the meal.

• Hemoglobin A1c Test (Glycated Hemoglobin Test): This test evaluates the blood sugar level over the past three months. It is used to understand whether diabetes is stable or not.

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): In this test, a blood sample is first taken. Then, after drinking a glucose mixture, the blood glucose levels are monitored for 2 hours.

Glucose Levels by Age Group

Age Group	Fasting (mg/dL)	Post-meal (mg/dL) & HbA1c (%)
Children (0–12 yrs)	70–100	Post-meal: — HbA1c: <5.7%
Teens (13–19 yrs)	70–100	Post-meal: — HbA1c: <5.7%
Adults (20–59 yrs)	70–99	Post-meal: — HbA1c: <5.7%
Seniors (60+ yrs)	80–110	Post-meal: — HbA1c: <6.5%
Prediabetic (All ages)	100–125	Post-meal: 140–199 HbA1c: 5.7–6.4%
Diabetic (All ages)	≥126	Post-meal: ≥200 HbA1c: ≥6.5%

Which is More Important: GI or GL?

Those who want to control their blood glucose levels, especially diabetic patients, need to understand two important food metrics — Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL). These are metrics that indicate how food affects our bodies.

• The GI is a figure that shows how rapidly blood sugar is raised by a food.. It ranges from 0 to 100.

• GL has a greater impact than GI. Additionally, it considers the food's carbohydrate content. GL means how much and how effectively the food you eat raises your blood glucose. The calculation is as follows: GL = (GI × grams of carbohydrate) ÷ 100. 

• The GI shows how quickly a food releases glucose, and is based only on the type of food. The GL shows how much glucose a food releases, and GL also considers the amount of food. The GL analysis is more practical because it reflects the actual quantity we eat.

Difference Between GI (Glycemic Index) & GL (Glycemic Load)

Aspect	Glycemic Index (GI)	Glycemic Load (GL)
Definition	Measures how fast a food raises blood sugar.	Measures the actual blood sugar impact based on portion size.
Scale	Scale of 0–100	Low: <10, Medium: 11–19, High: >20
Focus	Speed of carbohydrate absorption	Amount of carbohydrates per serving
Usage	Useful for understanding food quality	Better for meal planning and real impact
Limitation	Doesn’t consider quantity eaten	More precise, but needs calculation
Examples with GI/GL Levels	Watermelon (72), White bread (75), Rice (73), Cornflakes (81), Carrot (71), Banana (51), Potato (85), Pineapple (66), Honey (61), Mango (56)	Watermelon (4), White bread (10), Rice (26), Cornflakes (23), Carrot (6), Banana (13), Potato (17), Pineapple (8), Honey (9), Mango (12)

How Can You Prevent Diabetes Naturally?

Although diabetes cannot be completely prevented, it can be avoided through a healthy lifestyle.

• Exercising at least 30 minutes a day can improve insulin sensitivity.

• Blood glucose levels can be controlled by consuming foods with a low glycemic index.

• Eating in moderation and eating regularly keeps you healthy.

• Keeping your body weight under control reduces the chances of developing diabetes.

What is Diabetic Diet?

Sugar control is possible by following a diet that is appropriate for the body.

• Completely reduce processed foods and eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fiber.

• It is better to eat only fruits with low sugar content.

• By dividing your daily meals into small portions, you can keep your blood glucose levels stable.

• Drinking plenty of water helps detox the body.

Diabetes Reversal—True or False?

Some of the things you hear about diabetes reversal are true, and some are false. Reversal in diabetes (mainly Type 2 Diabetes) does not mean that it is completely cured, but that the blood sugar level can be kept at a normal level without medication.

• This is possible through strict lifestyle control, dietary rules, and weight loss.

• In some cases, glucose levels improve due to the reduction of insulin resistance.

• But this is only possible with timely treatment, and not for everyone.

• Especially in type 1 diabetes, it is impossible to reverse it, because the body stops producing insulin completely.

While "diabetes reversal" is possible in some cases, it is not a "cure"—it is only "bringing it under control". This is true, but not everyone should use it. Therefore, this matter should be clearly understood with the advice of a doctor.

Know Diabetes Better: Understanding its symptoms, causes, and lifestyle changes is key to prevention and control.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can diabetes be completely cured?
Diabetes cannot be completely prevented, but it can be effectively controlled by making lifestyle changes.

Q2: Can diabetes occur in children?
Yes, especially Type 1 Diabetes can appear at a young age. The history of the parents and the effect on the immune system are factors.

Q3: Is it possible to get pregnant with diabetes?
Even with gestational diabetes, pregnancy is possible. But appropriate monitoring, diet, and medical advice are mandatory.

Q4: How can you reduce sugar levels?
Sugar levels can be reduced through dietary rules, exercise, the use of medicines, and stress management.

Q5: Does diabetes cause psychological stress?
Yes, psychological stress is natural in chronic diseases. That is why meditation, sleep, and mental exercises are necessary.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a health problem that completely affects your life. It can be effectively controlled with proper diet, exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes. It is a sensitive problem and requires daily attention. If you can see diabetes not as a punishment but as an opportunity to improve your health, you will be able to cope with it effectively.

Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites

Category	Resources
Online Courses	Managing Diabetes – Coursera Diabetes – FutureLearn Nutrition & Diabetes – Udemy Diabetes Education – Medscape
Reference Books	The Diabetes Code – Dr. Jason Fung Think Like a Pancreas – Gary Scheiner Diabetes for Dummies – Alan Rubin Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution
Websites	American Diabetes Association CDC Diabetes NIDDK Diabetes WHO – Diabetes

Note to readers: This article is intended for awareness purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or your personal health.