Diabetes Masterclass Part 1- Diabetes 101

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose), which is used for energy. When blood sugar levels are too high or fluctuate often it can lead to serious health complications. Diabetes is not a one-size-fits-all condition—there are different types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young), and prediabetes. Each of these has unique causes, symptoms, and treatments.

In this blog, we'll cover the basics of diabetes, the differences between the types, the risks of prediabetes, how diabetes is diagnosed, and the A1C ranges that put people at risk.

What Is Diabetes?

At its core, diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. This occurs due to issues with insulin, the hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose and allows glucose to enter cells to be used for energy. When the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). There are several types of diabetes, each with unique symptoms and causes.

Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune Destruction of Insulin Production

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, individuals with Type 1 diabetes produce little to no insulin, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes remains unknown. It is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors (such as viral infections) that initiate the autoimmune response. Type 1 diabetes typically appears in childhood or adolescence but can also develop later in adulthood. In the US, about 2 million people live with Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin Resistance and Beta Cell Dysfunction

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is often associated with lifestyle factors, though genetics also play a significant role. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, in Type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin, but the cells become resistant to it, making it harder for glucose to enter the cells. Over time, the pancreas may also produce less insulin, exacerbating the issue.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

Genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes. Risk factors include obesity, poor diet, lack of physical activity, age and abdominal fat. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90-95% of all diabetes cases, and in the US about 1 in 10 people (40 million Americans) now live with Type 2 diabetes.

MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young): A Genetic Form of Diabetes

MODY is a rare form of diabetes caused by mutations in a single gene that affect insulin production. MODY is often mistaken for either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes because of its similar symptoms, but it has distinct genetic origins.

Causes of MODY

MODY results from an inherited mutation in a single gene that affects insulin regulation. There are multiple types of MODY, each associated with different gene mutations. Unlike Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, MODY does not involve insulin resistance or autoimmune beta-cell destruction. MODY typically develops and is diagnosed before age 25. It is very rare, affecting only about 300,000 people in the US, though it is often misdiagnosed as Type 1 or Type 2 so that number may be higher.

Prediabetes: A Warning Sign

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It is a serious health condition because it significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. However, prediabetes is generally reversible with lifestyle changes.

Causes of Prediabetes

The causes of prediabetes are similar to those of Type 2 diabetes, including:

Insulin resistance: Cells become less responsive to insulin, causing blood sugar to rise.
Genetics: A family history of Type 2 diabetes increases the risk.
Lifestyle factors: Obesity, inactivity, and poor diet are major contributors.

Prevalence of Prediabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 3 American adults—about 96 million people—have prediabetes. However, the majority of them (over 80%) are unaware they have it.

Know Your Risk

Unmanaged diabetes and prediabetes can lead to serious health issues including kidney damage, blindness and neuropathy. Understanding your risk level for complications starts with understanding your blood sugar levels.

The A1C test is widely used for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring blood sugar control over time. The test is a reflection of average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months and is closely monitored in people with prediabetes and diabetes in order to identify risk levels. The higher your A1c, the higher your risk of developing diabetes or complications. Luckily, you can manage your risk and take control of your blood sugars through daily habits and dietary changes.

Ready to get started? Check out my post on science backed ways to lower your blood sugar

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