Diabetes
Diabetes is a group of conditions that share one feature: too much glucose in the blood. It is not a single disease.
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Medicines commonly prescribed for Diabetes
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: TABLET, 850 mgActive substance: metforminManufacturer: Pharmconsul S.R.O.Prescription requiredDosage form: INJECTABLE, 100 U/mlActive substance: insulin aspartManufacturer: Novo Nordisk A/SPrescription requiredDosage form: TABLET, 5 mgActive substance: dapagliflozinManufacturer: Viatris LimitedPrescription required
Diabetes is a group of conditions that share one feature: too much glucose in the blood. It is not a single disease. The types differ in mechanism, in the age at which they start and in treatment, and confusing them leads to the wrong decisions. What they do share is this: over years, high glucose damages blood vessels, nerves, kidneys and eyes without causing symptoms — and that damage is preventable.
Types
- type 1 — the immune system destroys the pancreatic cells that make insulin. It usually starts in childhood or young adulthood, though it can appear at any age. Symptoms come on quickly, over weeks. Insulin is essential from day one and there is no alternative;
- type 2 — the body responds poorly to insulin and the pancreas stops compensating. By far the most common type. It develops slowly, often over years without symptoms, and is closely linked to weight, inactivity and family history;
- gestational diabetes — appears during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth, but leaves a high risk of type 2 diabetes later;
- LADA — a slowly progressing autoimmune form in adults, frequently labelled as type 2 at first;
- MODY — rare inherited single-gene forms starting in young people, sometimes treated with tablets rather than insulin;
- secondary diabetes — due to pancreatic disease, long-term corticosteroids or other hormonal conditions.
Getting the type right matters a great deal: a slim adult whose diabetes came on quickly may have type 1 or LADA, and treating that as type 2 wastes valuable time.
Symptoms
- intense thirst and a dry mouth;
- passing urine often, including at night;
- tiredness and lack of energy;
- unintended weight loss — particularly characteristic of type 1;
- constant hunger;
- blurred vision that comes and goes;
- slow-healing wounds, repeated skin infections;
- recurrent genital thrush;
- tingling or numbness in the feet;
- in type 2, there may be no symptoms at all for years.
When to seek help
- you have any of the symptoms above;
- a blood test showed raised glucose;
- you have first-degree relatives with diabetes;
- you had gestational diabetes;
- you have excess weight, high blood pressure or abnormal lipids;
- you are over 45 and have never had your glucose checked.
Urgent care: intense thirst with vomiting, deep rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, abdominal pain, drowsiness or confusion — this may be diabetic ketoacidosis, which is more typical of type 1 and potentially life-threatening. Also for hypoglycaemia: shaking, cold sweat, palpitations, confusion. Take fast-acting sugar immediately, and if the person loses consciousness, call the emergency services.
How it is diagnosed
By blood tests: fasting glucose, HbA1c and, where needed, an oral glucose tolerance test. Fasting glucose of 7.0 mmol/L or above, or HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above, allows the diagnosis; 5.6–6.9 mmol/L indicates prediabetes. A single home meter reading is not sufficient.
To establish the type, C-peptide is measured — it reflects your own insulin production — along with anti-GAD and other autoimmune markers. These are the tests that prevent LADA being mistaken for type 2.
Treatment
- type 1: lifelong insulin, as a basal-bolus regimen or via a pump, with carbohydrate counting and glucose monitoring, increasingly with continuous sensors;
- type 2: lifestyle change as the foundation, plus metformin and, depending on your risk profile, SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 agonists, which also protect heart and kidneys; insulin when other treatment is not enough;
- gestational diabetes: diet and activity, with insulin if required; other medicines are considered individually;
- in every type: blood pressure and lipid control, which reduce cardiovascular risk as much as glucose control does.
What is up to you
- physical activity: 150 minutes a week plus two strength sessions;
- a diet built on vegetables, pulses, wholegrains, fish and olive oil; fewer ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks;
- weight: in type 2, losing 5–10% already changes the numbers;
- not smoking;
- alcohol in moderation, and never on an empty stomach if you take glucose-lowering medication;
- sleeping 7–9 hours;
- knowing how to recognise and treat a hypo — and making sure the people around you know too;
- carrying information about your diabetes and treatment.
Complications and how they are monitored
- eyes: retinal screening once a year;
- kidneys: creatinine and urine albumin annually;
- nerves and feet: an annual professional check and your own daily look;
- heart and vessels: blood pressure, lipids and overall risk assessment;
- teeth and gums: regular dental review;
- HbA1c every 3–6 months;
- flu and pneumococcal vaccination as advised.
Common questions
Can diabetes be cured? Type 1, no. Type 2 can go into remission in the early stages with substantial weight loss, though monitoring continues.
Is it caused by eating sugar? Not directly. In type 2, genetics, weight, activity and the overall diet all contribute; type 1 is autoimmune and unrelated to diet.
Is insulin a last resort? No. It is a hormone your body needs, and it is sometimes used temporarily to bring very high readings down.
Can I eat fruit? Yes, whole fruit in sensible amounts. Juice is what to avoid.
Is prediabetes something to ignore? Quite the opposite: it is the stage at which the most can be done.
Online consultation
In an online consultation the doctor reviews your results, helps establish which type of diabetes you have — a distinction that changes treatment completely — assesses your cardiovascular and kidney risk, reviews your medication and sets out your monitoring schedule.
This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
Consult with a doctor about Diabetes
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.
Medically reviewed by
Reviewed on Aug 12, 2026
Online doctors for Diabetes
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Diabetes with a doctor online.
