Diabetes: Patient Education

Section 1: What is diabetes?

Q1. What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term health condition. It causes too much glucose to remain in the blood.

Glucose is also called blood sugar. The body uses glucose for energy.

Q2. What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone. The pancreas makes insulin.

Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into the body’s cells. The cells use glucose for energy.

Q3. What happens when insulin does not work properly?

Glucose cannot enter the cells properly. Glucose then builds up in the blood.

High blood glucose can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and feet.

Q4. What is Type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease.

The immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. The pancreas then makes very little insulin or no insulin.

A person with Type 1 diabetes needs insulin every day. Type 1 diabetes can begin at any age.

Q5. What is Type 2 diabetes?

In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond properly to insulin. This is called insulin resistance.

Over time, the pancreas may also stop making enough insulin.

Healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management, medicines, and insulin can help manage Type 2 diabetes.

Q6. What is LADA?

LADA means latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.

LADA is a slowly developing form of Type 1 diabetes. It usually begins during adulthood.

LADA can look like Type 2 diabetes at first. However, the immune system slowly damages the cells that make insulin.

Most people with LADA eventually need insulin.

Q7. What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that begins during pregnancy in a person who did not already have diabetes.

Pregnancy hormones can make insulin less effective. Blood glucose then rises.

Gestational diabetes usually improves after delivery. However, the mother has a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes later.

Q8. Is diabetes curable?

Most types of diabetes are long-term conditions.

Type 2 diabetes can sometimes enter remission after major and lasting lifestyle changes or weight loss. Remission does not mean that diabetes can never return.

Regular monitoring must continue.

Q9. Can a person with diabetes live a normal life?

Yes. A person with diabetes can live a healthy and active life.

Regular monitoring and proper treatment can reduce the risk of complications.

Section 2: Why does diabetes develop?

Q1. Why does Type 1 diabetes develop?

Type 1 diabetes develops because the immune system attacks the cells that make insulin.

Food, sugar, or an unhealthy lifestyle does not directly cause Type 1 diabetes.

Q2. Why does Type 2 diabetes develop?

Type 2 diabetes develops because of several factors.

These factors can include:

A person can develop Type 2 diabetes even without excess body weight.

Q3. Is Type 2 diabetes inherited?

Family history can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

However, family history does not mean that diabetes will definitely develop. Healthy habits can reduce the risk.

Q4. Can eating sugar alone cause diabetes?

Eating sugar alone does not directly cause every type of diabetes.

However, frequent sugary drinks and excess calories can cause weight gain. Weight gain can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Q5. Can diabetes occur during pregnancy?

Yes. Pregnancy hormones can reduce the effect of insulin.

This can cause gestational diabetes.

Section 3: What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Q1. Can diabetes develop without symptoms?

Yes. Type 2 diabetes often causes no symptoms during its early stages.

A blood test may detect diabetes before symptoms begin.

Q2. What are the common symptoms of high blood glucose?

Common symptoms include:

Q3. What symptoms can occur when blood glucose is very high?

Severe symptoms can include:

These symptoms require urgent medical care.

Q4. When should I contact a doctor?

Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of diabetes or repeated high blood glucose readings.

Seek urgent medical care for vomiting, severe weakness, confusion, breathing difficulty, severe dehydration, or loss of consciousness.

Section 4: How is diabetes diagnosed?

Q1. Which tests can diagnose diabetes?

Doctors can use:

Q2. What is a fasting blood glucose test?

This test measures blood glucose after no food or caloric drinks for at least eight hours.

Water is usually allowed unless your doctor gives different instructions.

Q3. What is a random blood glucose test?

This test measures blood glucose at any time of day.

The person does not need to fast.

Q4. What is an oral glucose tolerance test?

First, blood glucose is measured after fasting.

The person then drinks a measured glucose drink. Blood glucose is tested again at specific times.

This test is commonly used during pregnancy.

Q5. What is a normal fasting blood glucose level?

A fasting blood glucose level below 100 mg/dL is generally normal.

Q6. What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes means that blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

Prediabetes includes:

Prediabetes increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Q7. Which results can indicate diabetes?

Diabetes may be diagnosed with one of these results:

A doctor may repeat the test to confirm the diagnosis when there are no clear symptoms.

Q8. Can a blood test identify the type of diabetes?

Sometimes additional blood tests are needed.

Autoantibody tests can help identify Type 1 diabetes or LADA. A C-peptide test can help show how much insulin the body is making.

Section 5: What is HbA1c?

Q1. What is HbA1c?

HbA1c is a blood test.

It estimates the average blood glucose level during the previous two to three months.

Q2. Is fasting required for an HbA1c test?

No. An HbA1c test can usually be done at any time of day.

Q3. What do HbA1c results mean?

In general:

A doctor may repeat the test to confirm diabetes.

Q4. What should my HbA1c target be?

The target is different for each person.

A target below 7% is common for many adults with diabetes. Some people need a lower or higher target.

Your doctor will choose a safe target for you.

Q5. How often should HbA1c be tested?

HbA1c is commonly tested:

Your doctor may recommend a different schedule.

Q6. Can HbA1c ever be inaccurate?

Yes. Anaemia, recent blood loss, blood transfusion, pregnancy, kidney disease, and some haemoglobin disorders can affect the result.

Tell your doctor about these conditions.

Q7. Does HbA1c replace home blood glucose testing?

No.

HbA1c shows the average level over several weeks. Home monitoring shows the glucose level at that moment.

Some people need both tests.

Section 6: What are the ABCs of diabetes care?

Q1. What do the ABCs mean?

The ABCs are:

Smoking cessation is also very important.

Q2. Why is HbA1c important?

Keeping HbA1c near the agreed target reduces the risk of eye, kidney, and nerve damage.

Q3. Why is blood pressure important?

High blood pressure increases the risk of:

Blood pressure may cause no symptoms. It must be checked regularly.

Q4. Why is cholesterol important?

High LDL cholesterol can cause fatty deposits inside the arteries.

These deposits increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Q5. Are the ABC targets the same for everyone?

No.

Targets depend on age, pregnancy, duration of diabetes, other diseases, medicines, and the risk of low blood glucose.

Follow the targets given by your doctor.

Q6. How can I manage my ABCs?

You can:

Section 7: How is Type 2 diabetes treated?

Q1. What are the main goals of treatment?

Treatment aims to:

Q2. Is healthy food enough to treat Type 2 diabetes?

Healthy food is an important part of treatment.

Some people also need tablets, injections, or insulin. The treatment depends on the person’s glucose level and other medical conditions.

Q3. Why is physical activity important?

Physical activity improves the body’s response to insulin.

It can also improve blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, sleep, and mood.

Q4. What is metformin?

Metformin is a common medicine for Type 2 diabetes.

It helps the body respond better to insulin. Common side effects include nausea, loose stools, and gas.

Take metformin only as prescribed.

Q5. Are there different types of diabetes medicines?

Yes. Different medicines work in different ways.

Some medicines:

Q6. How does a doctor choose a diabetes medicine?

The doctor considers:

Q7. Can diabetes medicines cause low blood glucose?

Some medicines can cause low blood glucose. Insulin and some insulin-releasing tablets have a higher risk.

Ask your doctor which of your medicines can cause low blood glucose.

Q8. Should I stop a medicine when I feel well?

No.

Do not stop or change a diabetes medicine without medical advice. Diabetes may still require treatment even when there are no symptoms.

Q9. When may insulin be needed in Type 2 diabetes?

Insulin may be needed when:

Starting insulin does not mean that the patient has failed.

Section 8: What should I know about insulin?

Q1. What does insulin do?

Insulin lowers blood glucose by helping glucose enter the body’s cells.

Q2. Who needs insulin?

All people with Type 1 diabetes need insulin.

Most people with LADA eventually need insulin. Some people with Type 2 or gestational diabetes also need insulin.

Q3. Can insulin be taken as a normal tablet?

No. The stomach would break down insulin.

Insulin is usually injected under the skin with a pen or syringe.

Q4. Are all types of insulin the same?

No.

Some types act quickly around meals. Other types act slowly during the day and night.

The doctor chooses the insulin type, dose, and timing.

Q5. What is basal insulin?

Basal insulin is an intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin.

It helps control blood glucose between meals and during sleep.

Q6. What is mealtime insulin?

Mealtime insulin is a rapid-acting or short-acting insulin.

It helps control the rise in blood glucose after food.

Q7. Can I change my insulin dose myself?

Change the dose only according to the plan given by your doctor.

Food, exercise, illness, pregnancy, travel, steroids, and weight changes can alter insulin needs.

Q8. Where can insulin be injected?

Common injection areas include:

Inject insulin into the fat under the skin.

Q9. Why must I rotate injection sites?

Repeated injections into the same small area can cause lumps or damaged tissue.

These changes can make insulin absorption unreliable.

Use a different point within the recommended injection area.

Q10. Can insulin pens or needles be shared?

No.

Never share an insulin pen, cartridge, needle, or syringe. A pen must not be shared even after changing the needle.

Q11. How should used needles be discarded?

Place used needles in a puncture-resistant sharps container.

Do not place loose needles in ordinary household waste. Follow local disposal instructions.

Q12. How should insulin be stored?

Follow the storage instructions for that specific insulin.

Keep unopened insulin as directed on the label. Protect insulin from direct sunlight, freezing, and excessive heat.

Do not use insulin that looks abnormal, has expired, or may have been damaged by heat or freezing.

Section 9: What is low blood glucose?

Q1. What is low blood glucose?

Low blood glucose is also called hypoglycaemia.

For many people, a glucose level below 70 mg/dL is low.

Q2. What can cause low blood glucose?

Common causes include:

Q3. What are the symptoms of low blood glucose?

Symptoms can include:

Severe hypoglycaemia can cause seizures or unconsciousness.

Q4. What should I do if my blood glucose is low?

If you are awake and can swallow safely:

Examples include glucose tablets or the amount of glucose drink advised by your doctor.

Q5. Should food or drink be given to an unconscious person?

No.

Do not give food or drink by mouth to an unconscious person. This can cause choking.

Use glucagon if it is available and you know how to use it. Seek emergency medical help.

Q6. What should I carry when I use insulin?

Carry:

Section 10: How should I exercise safely?

Q1. Why is exercise useful in diabetes?

Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively.

Exercise can improve blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, fitness, sleep, and mood.

Q2. How much exercise should I do?

A common goal is at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Join a nearby gym or do exrcise at home.

Start slowly. Increase the duration and intensity gradually.

Q3. Which activities count as exercise?

Activities can include:

Choose an activity that is safe and enjoyable.

Q4. How do I recognise moderate exercise?

During moderate exercise, you can talk, but you cannot sing comfortably.

Q5. What precautions should I take?

Q6. When should I stop exercising?

Stop and seek medical advice if you develop:

Q7. Can everyone perform vigorous exercise?

No.

People with heart disease, severe eye disease, neuropathy, foot ulcers, kidney disease, or long inactivity may need a modified plan.

Ask your doctor before starting vigorous exercise.

Q8. Should I exercise when my glucose is very high?

Avoid vigorous exercise when blood glucose is very high or when ketones are present.

Follow your doctor’s sick-day and exercise instructions.

Section 11: How does diabetes affect the heart?

Q1. Does diabetes increase the risk of heart disease?

Yes.

Diabetes increases the risk of blocked arteries, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Q2. Why is the risk higher?

High blood glucose can damage blood vessels.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, kidney disease, and excess body weight can increase the risk further.

Q3. How can I protect my heart?

Q4. Should every person with diabetes take aspirin?

No.

Aspirin can cause bleeding. Take aspirin only when your doctor recommends it.

Q5. Can a heart attack occur without severe chest pain?

Yes.

Some people with diabetes may have mild chest discomfort or no typical chest pain.

Q6. What are possible signs of a heart attack?

Signs can include:

Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Section 12: How does diabetes affect the eyes?

Q1. What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the small blood vessels in the retina.

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.

Retinopathy can cause vision loss or blindness.

Q2. Does early retinopathy cause symptoms?

Usually not.

Eye damage can begin before the person notices any change in vision.

Q3. What symptoms can occur later?

Symptoms can include:

Q4. How is diabetic retinopathy detected?

It can be detected with:

An eye specialist may recommend additional tests.

Q5. When should eye screening begin?

For Type 2 diabetes, eye screening should begin near the time of diagnosis.

For Type 1 diabetes, screening usually begins within three to five years after diagnosis. The doctor may recommend a different schedule.

Q6. How often should the eyes be checked?

Many people need an eye examination every one to two years.

A person with retinopathy, pregnancy, or new visual symptoms may need more frequent examinations.

Q7. How is retinopathy treated?

Treatment depends on its severity.

Treatment may include:

Q8. When should I seek urgent eye care?

Seek urgent eye care for:

Section 13: How does diabetes affect the kidneys?

Q1. What is diabetic kidney disease?

Diabetic kidney disease is kidney damage caused by diabetes.

It can progress to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

Q2. Does early kidney disease cause symptoms?

Usually not.

Kidney damage can progress for several years without symptoms.

Q3. How is diabetic kidney disease detected?

Doctors use:

Albumin in the urine can be an early sign of kidney damage.

Q4. When should kidney testing begin?

For Type 2 diabetes, annual testing usually begins at diagnosis.

For Type 1 diabetes, annual testing usually begins about five years after diagnosis.

Q5. What increases the risk of kidney disease?

Risk factors include:

Q6. How can I protect my kidneys?

Q7. Can diabetes medicines protect the kidneys?

Some medicines can slow kidney damage in suitable patients.

These can include certain blood-pressure medicines and SGLT2 inhibitors.

The doctor will decide whether these medicines are safe and appropriate.

Q8. Can kidney disease affect diabetes treatment?

Yes.

Reduced kidney function can change which medicines are safe and what doses are required.

Do not change treatment without medical advice.

Section 14: What is diabetic neuropathy?

Q1. What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes.

It commonly affects the feet and legs.

Q2. What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can include:

The symptoms often begin in the toes and affect both feet.

Q3. Can neuropathy occur without symptoms?

Yes.

A person can have nerve damage without pain or other obvious symptoms.

Q4. Why is loss of sensation dangerous?

A person may not feel a cut, blister, burn, nail injury, or tight shoe.

A small injury can become an ulcer or infection.

Q5. How is neuropathy diagnosed?

The doctor examines the feet and tests:

Nerve-conduction tests are not required for every patient.

Q6. Can diabetic neuropathy be cured?

Existing nerve damage may not fully reverse.

Better glucose control, safe exercise, foot care, and pain treatment can reduce symptoms and prevent further problems.

Q7. Can medicines reduce nerve pain?

Yes. Some medicines can reduce neuropathic pain.

These medicines can cause side effects and must be selected by a doctor.

Section 15: How should I care for my feet?

Q1. Why are foot problems common in diabetes?

Diabetes can damage nerves and reduce blood flow.

A foot injury may go unnoticed and may heal slowly.

Q2. How often should I examine my feet?

Examine both feet every day.

Check:

Use a mirror or ask another person for help if necessary.

Q3. What should I look for?

Look for:

Q4. How should I wash my feet?

Wash your feet daily with mild soap and lukewarm water.

Dry them gently, especially between the toes.

Q5. Can I apply moisturiser?

Apply moisturiser to dry skin on the feet.

Do not apply moisturiser between the toes unless your doctor advises it.

Q6. How should I cut my toenails?

Cut the nails straight across.

Do not cut them too short or cut deeply along the sides. Use a nail file for sharp edges.

Ask a trained professional for help if vision, circulation, sensation, or nail shape is poor.

Q7. Can I walk barefoot?

No.

Wear footwear indoors and outdoors. Check the inside of each shoe before wearing it.

Q8. What type of footwear should I use?

Use clean socks and well-fitting shoes.

Shoes should not be tight. New shoes should be worn for short periods at first.

Q9. Can I use a heating pad or hot-water bottle on my feet?

No.

Reduced sensation can cause a burn without warning.

Q10. Should I cut a callus or burst a blister?

No.

Do not cut calluses, burst blisters, or use strong corn-removal chemicals. Ask a healthcare professional for treatment.

Q11. When should I contact the doctor?

Contact the doctor promptly for:

Do not wait for the wound to become painful.

Q12. How is a diabetic foot ulcer treated?

Treatment can include:

Early treatment can prevent amputation.

Section 16: Why are infections more common in diabetes?

Q1. Does diabetes increase the risk of infection?

Yes.

High blood glucose can weaken the body’s defence against infection.

Nerve damage and poor blood flow can also delay detection and healing.

Q2. Which infections are more common?

Common infections include:

Q3. What are warning signs of infection?

Warning signs include:

Q4. What should I do if I think I have an infection?

Contact your doctor promptly.

Check blood glucose more often if advised. Drink enough fluids unless your doctor has restricted fluids.

Q5. Should I complete prescribed antibiotics?

Yes.

Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Do not stop early unless the doctor changes the treatment.

Q6. How can I reduce the risk of infection?

Section 17: What should I do when I am sick?

Q1. Can illness increase blood glucose?

Yes.

Fever, infection, pain, surgery, and physical stress can increase blood glucose.

Q2. Should I stop diabetes medicines during illness?

Do not stop medicines automatically.

Some medicines may need to continue. Other medicines may need to stop temporarily. Follow your personal sick-day plan or contact your doctor.

Q3. Should insulin be stopped when I cannot eat?

Do not stop insulin without medical advice.

The body may still need insulin during illness, even when food intake is low.

Q4. What should I monitor during illness?

Your plan may include monitoring:

Q5. When should I seek urgent medical care?

Seek urgent care for:

Section 18: What is gestational diabetes?

Q1. Who should be tested during pregnancy?

Pregnant women are usually tested for gestational diabetes.

Testing commonly occurs between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Earlier testing may be needed when risk factors are present.

Q2. What increases the risk of gestational diabetes?

Risk factors include:

Q3. Why must gestational diabetes be treated?

Untreated gestational diabetes can increase the risk of:

Good treatment greatly reduces these risks.

Q4. How is gestational diabetes treated?

Treatment can include:

Q5. Is insulin safe during pregnancy?

Insulin is commonly used when medicine is required during pregnancy.

The diabetes and pregnancy teams will choose the safest treatment.

Q6. Does gestational diabetes disappear after delivery?

It usually improves after delivery.

However, blood glucose must be tested after pregnancy because diabetes can persist.

Q7. Can gestational diabetes return?

Yes.

It can return during a future pregnancy.

Q8. Does gestational diabetes increase future health risks?

Yes.

The mother has a higher future risk of prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The child may also have a higher future risk of obesity and diabetes.

Q9. What follow-up is needed after delivery?

The mother should have a glucose test after delivery and repeat testing at intervals advised by the doctor.

Healthy food, physical activity, and weight management can reduce future risk.

Section 19: How can diabetes complications be prevented?

Q1. Can diabetes complications be prevented?

Many complications can be prevented or delayed.

Good care cannot remove every risk, but it can reduce the risk greatly.

Q2. What are the most important preventive steps?

Q3. Which regular tests may be required?

The care plan may include:

Q4. Why are regular tests needed when I feel well?

Eye, kidney, nerve, blood-pressure, and cholesterol problems may cause no early symptoms.

Tests can detect problems before permanent damage occurs.

Q5. Should I smoke if my glucose is controlled?

No.

Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, poor circulation, foot ulcers, and amputation.

Q6. Which vaccinations may be required?

Recommended vaccinations can include:

Your doctor will advise which vaccines you need.

Section 20: How can I manage diabetes every day?

Q1. What should I do each day?

Follow your personal diabetes plan.

This may include:

Q2. Why should I record my readings?

Records help you and your doctor identify patterns.

Record the date, time, glucose reading, food, exercise, illness, and relevant medicine changes when advised.

Q3. What should I take to each appointment?

Bring:

Q4. What is diabetes distress?

Diabetes distress means feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, worried, or exhausted by diabetes care.

It is common and does not mean that the person is weak.

Q5. What should I do if diabetes care feels overwhelming?

Tell your doctor.

Family support, simpler treatment plans, diabetes education, counselling, and practical assistance can help.

Q6. Can I enjoy normal activities and special occasions?

Yes.

A person with diabetes can enjoy family events, travel, exercise, and normal daily activities with suitable planning.

Q7. What should I plan before travel?

Carry:

Discuss long journeys with your doctor.

Q8. What should I do before surgery or fasting for a procedure?

Tell the medical team that you have diabetes.

Ask for written instructions about food, tablets, insulin, and glucose monitoring. Do not make these changes yourself.

Diabetes: Patient Education

Section 1: What is diabetes?

Q1. What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term health condition. It causes too much glucose to remain in the blood.

Glucose is also called blood sugar. The body uses glucose for energy.

Q2. What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone. The pancreas makes insulin.

Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into the body’s cells. The cells use glucose for energy.

Q3. What happens when insulin does not work properly?

Glucose cannot enter the cells properly. Glucose then builds up in the blood.

High blood glucose can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and feet.

Q4. What is Type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease.

The immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. The pancreas then makes very little insulin or no insulin.

A person with Type 1 diabetes needs insulin every day. Type 1 diabetes can begin at any age.

Q5. What is Type 2 diabetes?

In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond properly to insulin. This is called insulin resistance.

Over time, the pancreas may also stop making enough insulin.

Healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management, medicines, and insulin can help manage Type 2 diabetes.

Q6. What is LADA?

LADA means latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.

LADA is a slowly developing form of Type 1 diabetes. It usually begins during adulthood.

LADA can look like Type 2 diabetes at first. However, the immune system slowly damages the cells that make insulin.

Most people with LADA eventually need insulin.

Q7. What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that begins during pregnancy in a person who did not already have diabetes.

Pregnancy hormones can make insulin less effective. Blood glucose then rises.

Gestational diabetes usually improves after delivery. However, the mother has a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes later.

Q8. Is diabetes curable?

Most types of diabetes are long-term conditions.

Type 2 diabetes can sometimes enter remission after major and lasting lifestyle changes or weight loss. Remission does not mean that diabetes can never return.

Regular monitoring must continue.

Q9. Can a person with diabetes live a normal life?

Yes. A person with diabetes can live a healthy and active life.

Regular monitoring and proper treatment can reduce the risk of complications.

Section 2: Why does diabetes develop?

Q1. Why does Type 1 diabetes develop?

Type 1 diabetes develops because the immune system attacks the cells that make insulin.

Food, sugar, or an unhealthy lifestyle does not directly cause Type 1 diabetes.

Q2. Why does Type 2 diabetes develop?

Type 2 diabetes develops because of several factors.

These factors can include:

Family history

Increasing age

Excess body weight

Fat around the abdomen or liver

Low physical activity

Unhealthy food habits

Previous gestational diabetes

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Certain medicines or medical conditions

A person can develop Type 2 diabetes even without excess body weight.

Q3. Is Type 2 diabetes inherited?

Family history can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

However, family history does not mean that diabetes will definitely develop. Healthy habits can reduce the risk.

Q4. Can eating sugar alone cause diabetes?

Eating sugar alone does not directly cause every type of diabetes.

However, frequent sugary drinks and excess calories can cause weight gain. Weight gain can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Q5. Can diabetes occur during pregnancy?

Yes. Pregnancy hormones can reduce the effect of insulin.

This can cause gestational diabetes.

Section 3: What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Q1. Can diabetes develop without symptoms?

Yes. Type 2 diabetes often causes no symptoms during its early stages.

A blood test may detect diabetes before symptoms begin.

Q2. What are the common symptoms of high blood glucose?

Common symptoms include:

Frequent urination

Increased thirst

Increased hunger

Tiredness

Blurred vision

Unexplained weight loss

Slow healing of wounds

Frequent infections

Q3. What symptoms can occur when blood glucose is very high?

Severe symptoms can include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Abdominal pain