Diabetics

Diabetics is a term historically used to refer to people with diabetes, a group of metabolic disorders characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin production, impaired insulin action, or both. In modern usage, many prefer person-first terminology such as people with diabetes to emphasize the individual rather than the condition.

The main forms are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and other specific types caused by genetic conditions, diseases of the pancreas, or drug-induced diabetes. Type 1 results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 involves insulin resistance and often progressive insulin deficiency, managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth but increases future diabetes risk.

Diagnosis is based on blood glucose measures such as fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour plasma glucose after an oral glucose tolerance test, A1C, or random glucose with symptoms. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unintended weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Management aims to control blood glucose, reduce complications, and maintain overall health. Treatment may include insulin therapy for type 1 and many with type 2, glucose-lowering medications, diet and physical activity, blood pressure and lipid management, and regular monitoring for complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease.

Public health efforts emphasize early detection, access to care, education, and support for self-management. Language guidance discourages stigmatizing terms and promotes respectful, person-centered descriptions.