Újszeged Medical Center

WHAT IS TYPE 1 DIABETES?

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is predominantly an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Often, the exact cause of its development is unknown. Approximately 1% of the population is affected, although its incidence has significantly increased in recent years for reasons that remain unclear. It is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood, with a better prognosis when it develops in adulthood. The destruction of these cells leads to severe insulin deficiency, causing a complete disruption of glucose metabolism. This condition is not curable, but it can be effectively managed with strict dietary control, increasingly advanced insulin therapies, or insulin pumps.

Common symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Frequent thirst and excessive urination
• Fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Dry skin
• Muscle cramps

PREDIABETES (PRECURSOR STATES OF DIABETES)

• Impaired fasting glucose (IFG): Fasting blood glucose levels above 6.1 mmol/L but less than 7 mmol/L. In such cases, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is recommended. For IFG, the two-hour value is below 7.8 mmol/L.
• Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT): Fasting glucose levels may be below 6.1 mmol/L, but the two-hour glucose level during an OGTT is between 7.8 mmol/L and 11.1 mmol/L.

Even without a diabetes diagnosis, elevated blood glucose levels in prediabetes can harm the cardiovascular system. Therefore, annual blood glucose checks are strongly recommended to detect carbohydrate metabolism issues as early as possible.

WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus develops when the insulin produced by the body cannot effectively lower blood glucose levels, meaning it fails to help cells absorb sugar. As a result, cellular starvation occurs because sugar, which serves as an energy source, cannot enter the cells due to their resistance to insulin. This condition is known as "insulin resistance."

Type 2 diabetes can remain symptom-free for years because the body compensates by producing more insulin than usual, maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Elevated blood sugar becomes apparent only when the body can no longer counteract insulin resistance, and the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas become exhausted. Early detection of abnormalities highlights the risk of future disease and allows lifestyle changes and regular monitoring to delay pancreatic exhaustion.

Risk factors include:

• Overweight: BMI over 25 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared).
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity.
• Genetic predisposition: Family history of late-onset diabetes, obesity, or women who gave birth to babies weighing over 4 kg.
• High intake of added sugars: Excessive consumption of sugary foods and beverages.
• High blood pressure: Elevated levels.
• Coronary artery disease.

If you belong to any of these risk groups or experience similar symptoms, laboratory testing is recommended.

Laboratory Testing:
Testing is available at the practice Monday through Thursday, between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM, by prior appointment.

Note: Fasting blood sampling during these hours is the most informative, as key risk-related data can vary due to daily fluctuations, which may lead to misleading results.