Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the fundamentals of diabetes is crucial for appreciating the significance of innovations in its management. This article provides a comprehensive overview of diabetes, including its types, symptoms, and current management strategies. It sets the stage for subsequent discussions on how AI and machine learning can revolutionise diabetes care.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that impairs the body’s ability to process blood glucose, commonly known as blood sugar. Without proper management, diabetes can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which can cause severe health issues.

Energy and Glucose in the Body

Living organisms require energy to power their systems. Energy is needed for tasks ranging from digestion and absorption to exercise, work, and play. Even activities as simple as sleeping require energy. This energy comes from the food we eat, which provides a form of sugar known as glucose. Glucose is the most crucial element needed in the primary health system, powering the cells in our body.

Glucose mainly comes from carbohydrate-rich foods like bread and potatoes. As we consume food, it travels down our esophagus into our stomach. While it is getting digested, stomach acids and enzymes break down the carbohydrates to make glucose. This glucose then gets absorbed into our intestines and passes into our blood to reach our cells, where it is known as blood sugar.

Now, glucose can’t directly reach our cells through blood. It needs a hormone called insulin, produced by the pancreas. Insulin acts as a key, unlocking muscle, fat, and liver cells so glucose can enter. The blood sugar level is monitored every few seconds by beta cells in the pancreas. When we eat carbohydrate-rich food, blood sugar rises, prompting the beta cells to release insulin into the bloodstream.

Types of Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

• Type 1 Diabetes: 1 out of 10 people with diabetes has Type 1 diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin. The body attacks the insulin-producing cells, leading to an accumulation of glucose in the blood. Symptoms include frequent urination, extreme thirst, unintended weight loss, and fatigue. This type requires lifelong insulin therapy.
• Type 2 Diabetes: In Type 2 diabetes, the insulin produced by the pancreas either does not work properly or is not produced in sufficient quantities. Symptoms are similar to Type 1 and include fatigue, extreme thirst, and frequent urination. This type is often linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity and inactivity and can sometimes be managed through lifestyle changes alone.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.

Current Management Strategies

Managing diabetes involves a combination of lifestyle changes, monitoring, and medication.

• Lifestyle Changes: Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are foundational aspects of managing diabetes. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while low in refined sugars and unhealthy fats, is recommended.
• Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels: Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for managing diabetes. This helps in making informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication.
• Medication and Insulin Therapy: Depending on the type and severity of diabetes, medication may be necessary. For Type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is essential. For Type 2 diabetes, medications that increase insulin production or improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin are commonly prescribed. In some cases, insulin therapy may also be needed.
• Education and Support: Education about diabetes management and support from healthcare professionals, family, and peers can significantly enhance a patient’s ability to manage their condition effectively.

Recent Advancements in Diabetes Management

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in diabetes management, particularly with the integration of technology.

• Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): These devices provide real-time monitoring of blood glucose levels, allowing for more precise management of diabetes.
• Insulin Pumps: Modern insulin pumps can deliver insulin more precisely and can be adjusted based on blood glucose readings from CGMs.
• Mobile Apps and Digital Health Platforms: These tools help patients track their blood glucose levels, diet, and physical activity, offering personalised recommendations and insights.

Understanding the basics of diabetes is essential for appreciating the transformative potential of AI and machine learning in this field. By building on the foundation of traditional diabetes management strategies, AI and ML can offer more personalised and precise care, improving the quality of life for millions of people living with diabetes.

In the next article, Artificial Pancreas and Insulin Delivery Systems, we will explore the latest advancements in insulin delivery technologies, including the development and implementation of artificial pancreas systems. Stay tuned to learn more about how these innovations are changing the landscape of diabetes care.