Getting to Know Diabetes Better: Symptoms & Treatment
As the country with the 5th-highest percentage of diabetes in the world, Indonesians should be starting to worry about this disease. And for good reason: of the 19 million people living with diabetes, this number is predicted to keep rising—by as much as 68%.[1]
To prevent diabetes or at least reduce your risk of developing it, it is important to learn more about this health condition. Here is everything you need to know about its types, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic, long-term condition that occurs when glucose levels in the blood rise. It is caused by the liver producing too little insulin or the body's cells becoming less able to respond to insulin.
Without proper treatment, this condition can lead to other health problems, such as kidney failure, nerve damage, retinal disorders, and even amputation.
Diabetes Classification

As a relatively complex disease, this health condition is classified into several types, including:
1. Type 1 Diabetes
In this condition, the body has little to no insulin. The culprit is your own immune system, which attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Ironically, children are the age group most commonly affected by this condition.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
In this condition, the main cause is the body's inability to respond to insulin when blood sugar levels rise, a condition known as insulin resistance. Interestingly, this type accounts for up to 90% of all diabetes cases.[1]
3. Gestational Diabetes
This condition refers to elevated blood sugar during pregnancy. It is primarily triggered by hormones from the placenta that prevent the body from producing or using insulin.[2]
Data show that 1.9% and 3.6% of pregnancies in Indonesia are affected by this condition, underscoring the need for extra attention to the mother's health and the fetus's development.[3]
Causes of Diabetes

The factors that trigger diabetes in you or your family vary widely, depending on the type.
Type 1 Diabetes
- Autoimmunity
- A combination of hereditary factors and infection
- Genetic mutations
Type 2 Diabetes
- Damage to the pancreas
- Insufficient insulin
- Obesity
- The body becoming resistant to insulin
- Physical inactivity
Gestational Diabetes
- Hormonal changes
Diabetes Symptoms

The signs of diabetes are most apparent in type 1 diabetes. In other types, however, the body rarely shows any signs.
So, what are the common early symptoms of diabetes to look out for?
- Persistent thirst.
- An increased urge to urinate, or even bed-wetting.
- Feeling easily fatigued.
- Persistent hunger.
- Blurred vision.
- Sudden and significant weight loss.
Diabetes Treatment

Each type of diabetes requires a different treatment approach. Here are the treatment options for each type:
Type 1 Diabetes
People with this condition need lifelong insulin replacement, along with blood sugar monitoring and a healthy lifestyle. They need to inject insulin several times a day.[4]
Type 2 Diabetes
Medication is one treatment option for this condition. For example, some medications increase insulin production, improve the cells' sensitivity to insulin, or inhibit enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugar.[5]
Lifestyle changes are also recommended, such as reducing your intake of saturated fats, carbohydrates, and foods high in fructose. People with diabetes are also encouraged to exercise, such as doing aerobics, for 90 to 150 minutes per week.[6]
Gestational Diabetes
Treatment focuses on a healthy diet that is good for both mother and fetus, such as eating foods low in fat and calories. People with this condition are also encouraged to be more active—for example, by walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day—to control their blood sugar.[7]
Diabetes Prevention

Diabetes is becoming an increasingly serious threat in this country. Don't become the next victim! Protect yourself with these simple steps:
1. Exercise
Staying active plays a major role in preventing obesity and improving insulin sensitivity. You don't need to push yourself too hard; activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming for at least 20 minutes a day are enough to help you stay healthy.
2. Eat Healthy, Balanced Meals
Be sure to include a variety of foods in your diet. Choose foods rich in fiber and healthy fats. Some options include sardines, mackerel, salmon, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, tomatoes, and whole-wheat pasta.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30% to 40%.[8] If you care about your health, quit this habit now!
Don't let yourself become one of the people living with diabetes. Make healthier lifestyle changes now and protect yourself from the threat of this disease in the future.
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