Diabetes is a long-term condition where blood sugar (glucose) stays too high because the body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use it well. The main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, gestational and prediabetes. This guide covers the types, symptoms, causes, whether diabetes is reversible, normal blood sugar levels, and how to manage it day to day.
Last updated: 16 June 2026.
Key takeaways
- Diabetes means persistently high blood sugar due to problems making or using insulin.
- Type 1 (often diagnosed young) is autoimmune and needs insulin for life; type 2 (most common, ~90%) is linked to insulin resistance and lifestyle.
- Common symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and slow-healing wounds.
- Type 2 can often be managed and sometimes put into remission with diet, weight loss and activity; type 1 cannot be reversed.
- Good control = a balanced low-GI diet, regular activity, medication or insulin as prescribed, and routine monitoring.
Types of diabetes
There are four main types of diabetes. Knowing which is which matters, because the causes and treatment differ.
| Feature | Type 1 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes | Gestational |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Autoimmune – body attacks insulin-making cells | Insulin resistance + lifestyle and genetics | Pregnancy hormones |
| Onset | Often childhood/young adults, sudden | Usually adults, gradual | During pregnancy |
| Insulin needed | Always | Sometimes (diet/meds first) | Usually diet; sometimes insulin |
| Reversible? | No | Often manageable; remission possible | Usually resolves after delivery |
Type 1 diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus)
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the cells that make insulin, so people need insulin for life. It accounts for roughly 5-10% of cases, is often diagnosed in children and young adults, comes on relatively suddenly, and is not caused by lifestyle and cannot currently be prevented.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 is the most common form (~90% of cases). The body becomes resistant to insulin, usually linked to weight, diet, inactivity and genetics. It develops gradually and can often be prevented, delayed, or managed – and sometimes reversed – with lifestyle changes. Our doctors answer common questions in 10 questions about type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes and prediabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery, though it raises the future risk of type 2. Prediabetes means blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetic – an important, often reversible warning stage.
Symptoms of diabetes
- Excessive thirst and a dry mouth
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Unusual hunger and unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and low energy
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts and frequent infections
Type 1 symptoms tend to appear quickly; type 2 can develop so slowly that some people have no symptoms for years – which is why screening matters.
Causes and risk factors
Type 1 is autoimmune and not caused by lifestyle. Type 2 risk rises with excess weight, a diet high in refined carbs and sugar, low physical activity, family history, age, and conditions like high blood pressure. Indians tend to develop type 2 earlier and at lower body weights than Western populations.
Is diabetes reversible?
Type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed – insulin is essential. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed and sometimes pushed into remission (normal blood sugar without medication), especially when tackled early with weight loss, a low-GI diet and regular activity. Remission is not a permanent cure; it needs ongoing healthy habits and monitoring.
How to manage diabetes
- Eat low-GI, high-fibre foods: whole grains, legumes and vegetables. Good choices include oats, green moong dal and ridge gourd.
- Limit refined sugar and sweets – and don’t assume “natural” sugars are safe; see the facts on jaggery and diabetes.
- Move daily: even brisk walking improves insulin sensitivity.
- Take medication or insulin as prescribed and never stop without medical advice.
- Monitor blood sugar and get regular check-ups, including an annual health check-up to catch problems early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes is a chronic condition where blood sugar stays high because the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly.
Type 1 is autoimmune, usually diagnosed young, and needs insulin for life. Type 2 is the most common form, is linked to insulin resistance and lifestyle, and can often be managed with diet, activity and medication.
Excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision and slow-healing wounds.
Type 1 cannot be reversed. Type 2 can often be managed and sometimes put into remission with weight loss, a healthy low-GI diet and exercise, though it can return.
A fasting blood sugar below 100 mg/dL is normal; 100 to 125 mg/dL suggests prediabetes; 126 mg/dL or higher on two tests indicates diabetes. Confirm with a doctor.
A low-GI, balanced diet with weight loss and activity can sometimes bring type 2 into remission, especially early on, but it should be done under medical guidance.
Low-GI, high-fibre foods such as oats, green moong dal, vegetables like ridge gourd, whole grains and legumes. Limit refined sugar, sweets and jaggery.
Managed well with diet, monitoring and sometimes insulin, most pregnancies are healthy. Uncontrolled gestational diabetes raises risks, so follow your care team closely.
The bottom line
Diabetes is manageable. Knowing your type, watching for symptoms, eating a low-GI diet, staying active and monitoring your blood sugar make a real difference – and type 2 can often be put into remission when caught early. Explore more in our Health section.
Managing a long-term condition is easier when consultations, tests and medicines are covered: health insurance with OPD cover, plus diabetes care at Even Hospital in Bangalore when you need in-person support.
Related reading
- 10 most Googled questions about type 2 diabetes
- Jaggery and diabetes: myths and facts
- Oats: benefits, side effects and how to use
- Green moong dal: protein and blood sugar
- More from the Even Health blog
References
- American Diabetes Association (ADA) – Standards of Care and diabetes basics.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Diabetes fact sheet.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Guidelines for management of type 2 diabetes.
