What Is Diabetes? Causes, Symptoms, and How to Know If You Have Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions worldwide, yet many people still ask questions like “What is diabetes?”, “What causes diabetes?”, and “How do you know if you have diabetes?” Understanding the basics can help you recognize symptoms early and take steps to protect your health.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when blood glucose (blood sugar) levels become too high. Glucose is the body's primary source of energy, and insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells. When the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly, glucose builds up in the blood.
Many people refer to diabetes as sugar diabetes because it impacts the ability to regulate blood sugar (glucose) level.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is caused by an autoimmune reaction, type 2 diabetes usually develops gradually over time and is often linked to lifestyle and genetic factors.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
• Being overweight or obese
• Physical inactivity
• Family history of diabetes
• Age 45 or older
• High blood pressure
• History of gestational diabetes
• Prediabetes
What Causes Diabetes?
Many people wonder, what causes diabetes? The answer depends on the type of diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by an autoimmune response where the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops due to a combination of factors, including:
• Insulin resistance
• Excess body weight
• Lack of physical activity
• Genetics and family history
How Do You Get Diabetes?
People often ask, how do you get diabetes? There is no single cause.
For type 2 diabetes, the condition often develops over several years due to a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight, inactive, or having a family history of diabetes can increase the risk.
For type 1 diabetes, the exact cause is not fully understood, and it cannot currently be prevented.
What Increases Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?
While no one intentionally wants to get sugar diabetes, understanding the risk factors can help explain why some people develop the condition.
Factors that may increase the risk include:
• Excess body weight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor dietary habits over time
• Family history of diabetes
• Certain health conditions such as high blood pressure and prediabetes
The good news is that many cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through healthy eating, regular physical activity, and weight management.
How Do I Know If I Have Diabetes?
One of the most common questions is, how do I know if I have diabetes?
Some people experience obvious symptoms, while others have no symptoms at all. Common signs include:
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing cuts or sores
• Frequent infections
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
How to Know If You Have Diabetes
If you notice any of the symptoms above, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. The only way to know for sure is through blood tests that measure blood glucose levels.
Healthcare professionals commonly use:
• Fasting blood glucose tests
• A1C tests
• Oral glucose tolerance tests
How Do You Know If You Have Diabetes Without Symptoms?
Many individuals with type 2 diabetes do not experience noticeable symptoms for years. In some cases, the condition is only discovered during routine health screenings or after developing complications.
This is why regular checkups are important, especially if you have risk factors such as obesity, family history, or high blood pressure.
Take Charge of Your Health
Knowing what diabetes is, what causes diabetes, and how to know if you have diabetes can help you take control of your health. Diabetes is a serious but manageable condition. Early diagnosis, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular medical care can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.
If you think you may have diabetes or are experiencing symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider and ask about diabetes screening. Early detection can make a significant difference in long-term health outcomes.
Participate in Type 2 Diabetes Research at Altasciences LA
If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D), you may have an opportunity to contribute to medical research while helping advance future treatment options.
Altasciences LA is currently seeking individuals with type 2 diabetes for clinical research studies. Clinical trials play an important role in improving our understanding of diabetes and evaluating potential new therapies that may help people manage their condition more effectively.
By participating in a research study, you may:
• Help advance diabetes research and contribute to the development of potential future treatments
• Gain access to study-related medical evaluations at no cost
• Access to the investigational study medication at no cost
• Receive compensation for time and participation
Make a Difference in the Future of Diabetes Treatment
As the number of people living with type 2 diabetes continues to grow, clinical research remains essential for developing better treatment options and improving patient outcomes. Whether you've recently been diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, your participation could help shape the future of diabetes care for millions of people.
Altasciences LA is actively recruiting T2D patients for paid research studies. Contact our team today to learn more about current opportunities and determine whether you may qualify. Check our current studies from here.