• Medicalport Tunççevik Hospital, Kurtuluş St., No: 70
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Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

The human body meets its energy needs from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats found in food. As these nutrients are digested, simple sugars called glucose are released. Glucose is the most important energy source for all organs in the body. For cells to use glucose for energy, it must enter the cells. The hormone responsible for transporting glucose into cells and storing it as glycogen is insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas.

Diabetes, also known as Diabetes Mellitus, is a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

Diabetes is diagnosed when:

  1. Fasting blood sugar (after 8 hours without eating) is over 126 mg/dL,

  2. Blood sugar is over 200 mg/dL two hours after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT),

  3. Hemoglobin A1c (a protein formed by glucose binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells) is over 6.5%.

    *Click here to view our diabetes screening package.

 

What Are the Types of Diabetes?

There are several types of diabetes, with three main types:

  1. Type 1 diabetes

  2. Type 2 diabetes

  3. Gestational diabetes

In diabetes, the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. In Type 1 diabetes, insulin production is significantly reduced. In Type 2 and gestational diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin. This resistance results in a condition called hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). A condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes is called prediabetes or hidden diabetes.

 

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where blood sugar levels are too high due to the body's resistance to insulin. As a result, the body cannot use glucose properly. Causes include excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, stress, family history of diabetes, and aging. Since Type 2 diabetes symptoms may not always cause noticeable discomfort, it can go undetected. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of serious complications involving the heart and nerves and affects daily life permanently. Managing it requires lifestyle changes, medications, and regular medical follow-ups.

 

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels, resulting in dangerously high blood glucose. People with Type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections. It usually develops at a young age and is caused by the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a condition where the body, unable to use glucose, breaks down fat for energy, producing ketones that acidify the blood. DKA is life-threatening if untreated and often misdiagnosed in children without a known diabetes history.

Key symptoms include unintended weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and dangerous blood acid levels due to ketone accumulation.

 

What is Gestational (Pregnancy) Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Even if there were no prior signs of diabetes, blood sugar levels can rise during pregnancy and usually return to normal after delivery. Risk factors include family history of diabetes, being over 30, and being overweight.

 

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Studies show that most individuals with prediabetes develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years. However, healthy eating and an active lifestyle can prevent or delay its onset.

 

Risk Factors for Diabetes

  1. Genetics and family history: Especially if a first-degree relative has Type 1 diabetes, screening is recommended.

  2. Pancreatic diseases: Disorders affecting the pancreas can reduce insulin production.

  3. Obesity: A major risk factor for both Type 2 and gestational diabetes.

  4. Insulin resistance: Causes increased blood glucose in Type 2 diabetes.

  5. Sedentary lifestyle: Leads to weight gain and increased diabetes risk.

  6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Raises the risk in women.

  7. Age: Metabolic rate slows with age, increasing Type 2 diabetes risk.

  8. Gestational diabetes history: Increases future Type 2 diabetes risk.

 

Is There a Connection Between Obesity and Diabetes?

Yes—around 80% of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. Insulin resistance caused by abdominal fat contributes to the condition. Weight control through proper diet can reduce symptoms and improve overall health.

 

Diseases Caused by Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to:

  1. Cardiovascular diseases

  2. Stroke

  3. Retinal and eye vessel damage

  4. Kidney failure

  5. Erectile dysfunction

  6. Diabetic foot

  7. Nervous system disorders

These complications significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and physical well-being. With proper treatment, these complications can be prevented or minimized.

 

Treatment of Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition with no cure. Treatment aims to prevent complications and maintain quality of life by keeping blood sugar within normal limits. Education, self-monitoring, proper nutrition, and regular exercise are essential. Smoking cessation and blood pressure and cholesterol control are also crucial.

  1. Type 2 diabetes: Managed with oral antidiabetic medications.

  2. Type 1 diabetes: Requires insulin therapy.

Although gastric bypass surgery has shown to normalize blood sugar in up to 80–100% of obese patients, it is not a commonly preferred solution.

 

How Should People with Diabetes Eat?

Diet plans for diabetes should be tailored by healthcare professionals based on overall health and body weight. Some foods should be avoided while others are preferred:

Carbohydrates
Patients don’t need to eliminate carbs but should choose the right ones—like whole grains, brown rice, oats, quinoa, and sweet potatoes. Avoid processed grains, white flour, packaged and fried carbs.

Vegetables
All high-fiber vegetables are suitable. Avoid frying; opt for steaming or grilling. Low-sodium, lightly salted vegetables and leafy greens are best. Avoid pickles, high-sodium cheeses, and veggies cooked in butter or margarine.

Fruits
Most fresh fruits are fine in recommended portions. Avoid sugary jams, canned fruits, and sweetened juices. Fresh-squeezed juices are preferable to packaged ones.

Proteins
Not limited to animal products. Beans, lentils, chickpeas, soy, seeds, nuts, and tofu are great plant-based options. Fish, eggs, and chicken are also suitable if not processed or fried. Choose lean or low-fat dairy or plant-based milk.

Fats
Avoid trans and animal fats. Use healthy plant-based oils like olive, sunflower, and hazelnut oils, without frying. Avocados and nuts are good fat sources. Always consult your doctor before consuming packaged products, even if they contain plant-based fats.

Drinks
Avoid sweetened and carbonated drinks, sweetened coffee/tea, energy drinks, and alcohol. Choose water, soda water, freshly squeezed juice, and unsweetened teas or coffee instead.