Starting Out: Diabetes Basics

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. It requires lifelong insulin therapy and is not caused by diet or lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough. It is strongly linked to overweight and inactivity and can often be managed with lifestyle changes and oral medications.

Common early symptoms include: excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, frequent infections, and unexplained weight loss (more common in type 1). Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms initially — screening is important if you are at risk.

HbA1c measures the percentage of haemoglobin with glucose attached, reflecting average blood sugar over 2–3 months. It is the most important single test for diabetes management. Normal: below 5.7%. Pre-diabetes: 5.7–6.4%. Diabetes: 6.5% or above. Target for most people with diabetes: below 7.0%.