---
title: What is Diabetes (Diabetes)?
date: 2023-06-21T00:00:00+03:00
author: Prof. Dr.<br>Aytaç Çetinkaya
url: /en/health-articles/diabetes-sugar-disease-what-is-diabetes
description: The feet are the organs most commonly affected by diabetes. Expert diabetic foot treatment in Istanbul. If diabetes is not kept under control, over the years the blood vessels and nerve endings in the feet can be damaged.
keywords: diabetes, diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes symptoms, diabetes treatment, diabetic foot, diabetic foot istanbul, istanbul diabetic foot, diabetes complications, diabetic foot specialist
tags:
- diabetes
- diabetes
- diabetic foot
- symptoms
- treatment
- type 1
- type 2
categories:
- Diabetes
- Diabetic Foot
- Health
language: en
---<p>Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases today. In this article, we will provide detailed information about what diabetes is, its symptoms, types and treatment methods.</p><p>You can read our article <a href=/en/health-articles/what-is-diabetic-foot/>Diabetic Foot: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention</a> to get basic information about diabetic foot.</p><h2 id=what-is-diabetes-diabetes>What is Diabetes (Diabetes)?</h2><p><strong>Diabetes</strong> is generally a chronic metabolic disease that occurs as a result of a disorder in the production or utilization of the hormone insulin. The hormone insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps the body regulate blood sugar. In <strong>diabetes</strong>, the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use the produced insulin effectively.</p><h2 id=the-two-most-common-types-of-diabetes>The Two Most Common Types of Diabetes</h2><p>There are two most common types of <strong>diabetes</strong> disease:</p><h3 id=type-1-diabetes>Type 1 Diabetes</h3><p><strong>Type 1 diabetes</strong> usually occurs in childhood or adolescence and the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This condition leads to a decrease or complete cessation of insulin production.</p><h3 id=type-2-diabetes>Type 2 Diabetes</h3><p><strong>Type 2 diabetes</strong>, on the other hand, usually develops in adulthood and the body&rsquo;s cells become unable to use insulin effectively or the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin.</p><h2 id=what-are-the-symptoms-of-diabetes>What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?</h2><p><strong>Diabetes symptoms</strong> can be listed as follows:</p><ul><li><strong>Excessive thirst</strong> and constant need to drink water</li><li><strong>Frequent urination</strong> and frequent trips to the bathroom at night</li><li><strong>Constant feeling of hunger</strong> and not feeling full even after eating</li><li><strong>Fatigue</strong> and weakness</li><li><strong>Blurred vision</strong> and vision problems</li><li><strong>Weight loss</strong> (especially in Type 1 diabetes)</li><li><strong>Wound healing problems</strong> and slow healing of cuts</li><li><strong>Recurring infections</strong> and fungal infections</li></ul><p>You can get detailed information about <a href=/en/health-articles/symptoms-of-diabetes/>symptoms of diabetes</a>.</p><h2 id=what-is-diabetic-foot>What is Diabetic Foot?</h2><p><strong>Diabetic foot</strong> is one of the most serious complications seen in <strong>diabetes</strong> patients. When <strong>diabetes</strong> disease is not kept under control for a long time, damage occurs in the blood vessels and nerve endings in the <strong>foot</strong> area over the years. This condition manifests itself as <strong>diabetic foot symptoms</strong>. You can get detailed information about <a href=/en/health-articles/what-is-diabetic-foot/>what is diabetic foot</a>.</p><h3 id=diabetic-foot-symptoms>Diabetic Foot Symptoms</h3><p><strong>Diabetic foot symptoms</strong> include:</p><ul><li><strong>Numbness and tingling in foot area</strong></li><li><strong>Dryness and cracks in foot skin</strong></li><li><strong>Foot ulcers and wounds</strong></li><li><strong>Loss of sensation in foot area</strong></li><li><strong>Changes in foot nails</strong></li><li><strong>Deformation of foot shape (Charcot foot)</strong></li></ul><p>You can get detailed information about <a href=/en/health-articles/diabetic-foot-symptoms-stages-and-treatment-methods/>diabetic foot symptoms, stages and treatment methods</a>.</p><h2 id=long-term-complications-of-diabetes>Long-term Complications of Diabetes</h2><p><strong>Diabetes</strong> can lead to long-term complications and cause the following health problems:</p><ul><li><strong>Heart disease</strong> and cardiovascular problems</li><li><strong>Kidney problems</strong> (diabetic nephropathy)</li><li><strong>Eye problems</strong> (diabetic retinopathy)</li><li><strong>Nerve damage</strong> (diabetic neuropathy)</li><li><strong>Foot problems</strong> and <strong>diabetic foot</strong> syndrome</li></ul><p>You can get detailed information about <a href=/en/health-articles/diabetic-neuropathy-nerve-damage/>diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)</a>.</p><h2 id=diabetes-management-and-treatment>Diabetes Management and Treatment</h2><p><strong>Diabetes</strong> management involves adopting a healthy lifestyle and keeping blood sugar under control. Treatment usually includes:</p><ul><li><strong>Paying attention to diet</strong> and carbohydrate counting</li><li><strong>Doing regular physical activity</strong></li><li><strong>Weight control</strong> and maintaining healthy body weight</li><li><strong>Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels</strong></li><li><strong>Taking medication when needed</strong></li></ul><p>You can get detailed information about <a href=/en/health-articles/diabetes-and-diabetic-foot/>diabetes and diabetic foot</a>.</p><h3 id=type-1-diabetes-treatment>Type 1 Diabetes Treatment</h3><p><strong>Type 1 diabetes</strong> patients need insulin injections because their pancreas glands cannot produce enough insulin. Be careful for early diagnosis by getting information about <a href=/en/health-articles/symptoms-of-diabetes/>symptoms of diabetes</a>.</p><h3 id=type-2-diabetes-treatment>Type 2 Diabetes Treatment</h3><p><strong>Type 2 diabetes</strong> patients can sometimes keep their blood sugar under control with diet and lifestyle changes, while in some cases they may need oral medications or insulin injections. You can get detailed information about <a href=/en/health-articles/symptoms-of-diabetes/>symptoms of diabetes</a>.</p><h2 id=diabetes-prevention-and-control>Diabetes Prevention and Control</h2><p>The following steps are important for <strong>diabetes</strong> prevention or control:</p><ul><li><strong>Healthy diet</strong> and nutrition plan</li><li><strong>Regular physical activity</strong> (at least 150 minutes per week)</li><li><strong>Control of body weight</strong> and staying at ideal weight</li><li><strong>Limiting smoking and alcohol consumption</strong></li><li><strong>Attending regular health checkups</strong></li><li><strong>Stress management</strong> and adequate sleep</li></ul><p>Be careful for early diagnosis by getting information about <a href=/en/health-articles/symptoms-of-diabetes/>symptoms of diabetes</a>.</p><h2 id=istanbul-diabetic-foot-treatment>Istanbul Diabetic Foot Treatment</h2><p>There are centers specialized in <strong>Istanbul diabetic foot</strong> treatment. <strong>Diabetic foot</strong> is treated in <strong>Istanbul</strong> with modern medical devices and expert doctors. Special care protocols and treatment methods are applied for <strong>diabetic foot</strong> patients. You can get detailed information about <a href=/en/health-articles/which-doctor-should-you-consult-for-diabetic-foot-problems/>which doctor should you consult for diabetic foot problems</a>.</p><h3 id=diabetic-foot-care>Diabetic Foot Care</h3><p>Things to pay attention to for <strong>diabetic foot</strong> care:</p><ul><li><strong>Paying attention to foot hygiene</strong></li><li><strong>Moisturizing foot skin</strong></li><li><strong>Cutting foot nails properly</strong></li><li><strong>Regularly checking foot wounds</strong></li><li><strong>Appropriate shoe selection</strong></li><li><strong>Regular podologist checkup</strong></li></ul><p>Click for a detailed guide on <a href=/en/health-articles/correct-shoe-selection-for-diabetic-patients/>correct shoe selection for diabetic patients</a>.</p><h2 id=frequently-asked-questions>Frequently Asked Questions</h2><h3 id=when-should-i-go-to-the-doctor-for-diabetes-symptoms>When should I go to the doctor for diabetes symptoms?</h3><p>You should immediately consult a doctor when you notice symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and weight loss.</p><h3 id=what-is-the-difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes>What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?</h3><p>Type 1 diabetes starts at a young age and there is no insulin production, while Type 2 diabetes starts in adulthood and there is insulin resistance.</p><h3 id=can-diabetes-be-prevented>Can diabetes be prevented?</h3><p>Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.</p><h3 id=how-long-does-diabetes-treatment-last>How long does diabetes treatment last?</h3><p>Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires lifelong treatment.</p><h2 id=conclusion-and-expert-support>Conclusion and Expert Support</h2><p><strong>Diabetes</strong> is a disease that can lead to serious health problems but can help maintain quality of life with appropriate management. It is important for individuals at risk of <strong>diabetes</strong> to keep their blood sugar under control through regular medical follow-up and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance in preventing complications such as <strong>diabetic foot</strong>.</p><p><strong>Diabetes</strong> patients should pay special attention to their <strong>foot</strong> health and be conscious about <strong>diabetic foot symptoms</strong>. <strong>Istanbul diabetic foot</strong> treatment centers provide services with specialized health personnel in this field.</p><p><strong>You may be interested in:</strong> For more information about diabetic foot treatment, you can read our articles on <a href=/en/health-articles/what-are-the-treatment-goals-in-diabetic-foot-infection/>diabetic foot infection treatment goals</a> and <a href=/en/health-articles/how-should-diabetic-foot-wound-dressing-be-done/>diabetic foot wound dressing</a>. You can also visit our page for detailed information about <a href=/en/services/>our treatment methods</a>.</p><p>You can get information from <a href=/en/about/>Prof. Dr. Aytaç Çetinkaya</a> for more information.</p>---
📍 **Kaynak:** https://aytaccetinkaya.com/en/health-articles/diabetes-sugar-disease-what-is-diabetes/index.md
👨‍⚕️ **Yazar:** Prof. Dr.<br>Aytaç Çetinkaya
📅 **Tarih:** 21 June 2023
🏥 **İletişim:** +90-545-450-5427