Diabetes 101: What It Is and Tips for Prevention

blue and gray diabetes awareness ribbon with a red droplet beside bold text reading “November is National Diabetes Awareness Month” on a blue background

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of one of the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation, an estimated 590 million people around the world have some form of this disease—that’s 1 in 9 adults. But diabetes is more than just a health statistic. It is a daily reality for people of all ages.

This month is an opportunity to educate the public on early detection and health management. To better understand the condition, let’s explore each of the three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes: An Autoimmune Condition

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little to no insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar.

This form of diabetes was previously known as juvenile diabetes because it is typically diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. However, it can occur at any age. The onset of Type 1 diabetes is often sudden and can include symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Unlike Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 cannot be prevented or reversed. Individuals with this condition must rely on daily insulin therapy, through injections or an insulin pump, to manage their blood sugar levels. Advances in technology, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), have significantly improved quality of life for many living with Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes: A Lifestyle-Influenced Epidemic

The most common form of diabetes is Type 2, which accounts for 90%–95% of all diagnosed cases. Unlike in Type 1, the pancreas still produces insulin, but the body becomes resistant to its effects, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Over time, insulin production may also decrease.

This form of diabetes typically develops in adults over the age of 45, but it’s increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals, including children and adolescents, due to rising rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:

Being overweight or obese
Lack of physical activity
Family history of diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
Certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American)

Symptoms can be subtle and may develop gradually, making early detection challenging. These warning signs can include fatigue, increased hunger and thirst, slow healing of wounds, and numbness in the hands or feet.

Fortunately, Type 2 diabetes can be managed and even prevented with a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. In some cases, individuals with Type 2 who make significant changes may even achieve remission.

Gestational Diabetes: A Pregnancy-Related Condition

This form of diabetes occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes prevent the body from producing enough insulin to meet the increased demands of the growing fetus. Gestational diabetes typically develops between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy and affects about 2%–10% of pregnancies in the United States each year.

While gestational diabetes usually resolves after childbirth, it poses risks for both mother and baby during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to experience high blood pressure and are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may be larger than average (macrosomia), increasing the risk of complications during delivery.

Managing gestational diabetes involves monitoring blood sugar levels, following a healthy diet, staying active, and sometimes taking insulin or other medications.

Raising Awareness, Supporting Change

Diabetes Awareness Month is not only about education—it’s also about empathy and empowerment. Everyone’s story matters, whether they are managing the disease with daily insulin injections or making small dietary changes to reduce their risk.

Understanding the differences between Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes is crucial for early detection, effective management, and prevention. With continued research, education, and support, we can move toward a future in which fewer people develop diabetes and those living with it can lead healthier, fuller lives.

This November, let’s spread awareness, encourage healthier choices, and support the millions affected by diabetes.

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