Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is a dangerous complication in which the body produces excessive ketones because it lacks sufficient effective insulin.
The condition occurs most commonly in type 1 diabetes but can also occur in some people with type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, and confusion.
DKA can develop quickly and requires emergency treatment.
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or HHS, is another serious complication, more commonly associated with type 2 diabetes.
It involves very high blood glucose and severe dehydration, sometimes accompanied by confusion, seizures, or reduced consciousness.
This condition also requires emergency medical care.
Long-term complications
Over time, persistently high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves.
Possible complications include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision loss, and problems affecting the feet.
The good news is that appropriate treatment, regular monitoring, and management of cardiovascular risk factors can substantially reduce the risk of many complications.
If someone with possible diabetes develops vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, severe dehydration, or confusion, seek emergency medical care immediately.
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm diabetes. Blood tests are needed to establish the diagnosis.
Common diagnostic tests include fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and, in selected circumstances, an oral glucose tolerance test.
For nonpregnant adults, commonly used diagnostic thresholds include:
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Fasting plasma glucose: 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher.
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HbA1c: 6.5% or higher.
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Two-hour plasma glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test: 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher.
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Random plasma glucose: 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher in a person with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia or a hyperglycemic crisis.
When symptoms are not unequivocal, an abnormal result generally requires confirmation with repeat testing or another accepted diagnostic test.
These thresholds should be interpreted by a healthcare professional, and different considerations apply during pregnancy.
HbA1c reflects average blood glucose over approximately the previous two to three months. Fasting glucose measures blood glucose after a period without caloric intake.
A clinician may also investigate whether symptoms suggest type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or another form of the disease because treatment can differ substantially.
Practical Ways to Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Although not every case of diabetes can be prevented, certain habits can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve overall health.
Eat a varied, balanced diet
Include vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, whole grains, and suitable sources of protein.
Reduce frequent consumption of sugary drinks and limit highly processed foods when they displace more nutritious options.
There is no need to eliminate all carbohydrates. The goal is to choose appropriate portions and a balanced mix of foods.
Stay physically active
Regular activity helps muscles use glucose and can improve insulin sensitivity.
Walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, and other activities can be useful.
For many adults, public health guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, with adjustments for individual health and fitness.
People who have been inactive should begin gradually.
Maintain a healthy weight when appropriate
For people with excess body weight who are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, even modest, sustained weight loss can improve metabolic health.
However, body weight is influenced by genetics, medications, medical conditions, and other factors. People should avoid extreme diets and seek individualized advice when necessary.
Prioritize sleep
Insufficient or irregular sleep is associated with metabolic problems and may make appetite and glucose regulation more difficult.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and addressing possible sleep disorders can support overall health.
Know your risk factors
People with a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or other metabolic risk factors may benefit from screening.
A healthcare professional can advise when testing is appropriate based on age, medical history, and individual risk.
Final Thoughts: Diabetes Is About More Than Avoiding Sweets
The story presented in the image is a reminder that diabetes should not be reduced to a simple question of whether someone eats candy or desserts.
People who rarely consume sweets can still develop diabetes because blood glucose regulation is influenced by genetics, insulin function, other medical conditions, and overall lifestyle.
White rice, refined grains, sugary drinks, and large portions of starchy foods can affect blood glucose, but they should not be presented as the proven cause of an individual's death without verified medical evidence.
The most important steps are to understand the symptoms, obtain appropriate screening, maintain balanced eating habits, stay physically active, and seek medical care when warning signs appear.
Diabetes can often be managed effectively with the right treatment and ongoing monitoring. Early diagnosis can be particularly important when symptoms develop rapidly.
Remember: Avoiding sweets alone does not guarantee protection from diabetes. Recognizing the warning signs and understanding your individual risk can make a far greater difference.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The reported death in the headline cannot be independently established from the image. Anyone experiencing symptoms of diabetes should seek medical assessment, and suspected diabetic emergencies require immediate medical care.
categories that people should understand when managing blood glucose, explains why diabetes can affect people who avoid sweets, and identifies warning signs that should never be ignored.
Why Can Someone Develop Diabetes Without Eating Sweets?
Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose remains abnormally high because the body does not produce enough insulin, cannot use insulin effectively, or experiences a combination of these problems.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use.
When insulin production or action is impaired, glucose accumulates in the blood.
There are several major forms of diabetes, and understanding their differences is essential.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
As insulin production falls, blood glucose can rise rapidly. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin treatment to survive.
The condition is not caused simply by eating too much sugar, and avoiding sweets cannot reliably prevent it.
Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, including adulthood. Some adults initially mistake its symptoms for stress, fatigue, or another illness.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes usually develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin and the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to compensate.
Risk factors include family history, increasing age, excess body fat, physical inactivity, previous gestational diabetes, and certain metabolic or medical conditions.
Diet can influence risk, but it is only one part of the picture.
A person can rarely eat candy and still develop type 2 diabetes because many foods contain carbohydrates that are broken down into glucose. Genetics, body composition, physical activity, sleep, and other factors also contribute.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when hormonal changes increase insulin resistance beyond the body's ability to compensate.
It can occur even in women who do not eat many sweets.
Appropriate screening, blood glucose monitoring, and treatment help reduce the risk of complications for both mother and baby.
The key lesson is that diabetes is not simply a disease of people who eat sugar. It is a complex metabolic condition that requires appropriate screening and management.