What is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of metabolic disorders marked by persistent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels)¹. This occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces². Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves².
Insulin plays a key role in allowing glucose to enter cells and be used for energy. When this process is impaired, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is classified into the following major types¹:
Prediabetes can often be reversed with timely lifestyle interventions.
Why blood sugar rises
- Insulin resistance
- Reduced insulin secretion
- Increased liver glucose output
- Sedentary lifestyle and excess calorie intake³
How Insulin works
- Insulin facilitates glucose uptake into muscle and fat cells and reduces glucose production by the liver³.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Symptoms of diabetes may develop gradually and may go unnoticed, especially in Type 2 diabetes³.
Common symptoms include:
Early detection is important to prevent complications.
How Diabetes is Diagnosed2
Diagnosis is based on blood glucose levels or HbA1c values.
This test measures blood sugar levels after at least 8 hours of fasting.
- Reflects your baseline sugar level
- Indicates how your body manages glucose without recent food intake
Interpretation:
- Normal: <100 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: ≥126 mg/dL
This test measures blood glucose 2 hours after a meal.
- Shows how efficiently the body handles sugar after eating
- Useful for diabetes monitoring
Interpretation:
- Normal: <140 mg/dL
- Diabetes: ≥200 mg/dL
HbA1c reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% – 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or above
When to Get Tested
Screening is recommended:
- At age ≥35 years
- Earlier in individuals with overweight/obesity or risk factors3
Preventing Complications2,3
Diagnosis is based on blood glucose levels or HbA1c values.
Foot care
Daily inspection reduces risk of ulcers and amputations.
Eye care
Annual retinal exams help detect diabetic retinopathy early.
Kidney care
Monitoring urine albumin and kidney function helps early detection.
Nerve damage
Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to peripheral neuropathy.
Why regular checkups matter
Regular monitoring enables early intervention and reduces complications.
Diabetes & Heart Risk 2,3
Diagnosis is based on blood glucose levels or HbA1c values.
How MyAarambh Supports You
Effective diabetes care requires continuous management and support.
MyAarambh supports patients by:
Improving awareness and understanding of diabetes
Encouraging regular blood glucose monitoring
Supporting lifestyle modifications (diet and physical activity)
Promoting medication adherence
Providing ongoing guidance and follow-up
Continue Your Care with MyAarambh
References:
1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 11th Edition. 2025. Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org
2. World Health Organization. Diabetes Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
3. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Available at: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/issue/47/Supplement_1
PYC code: NUC-PAT/0626/4