Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels (high blood sugar). Early diagnosis and appropriate disease management can help prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life.
At UPMC, patients can access specialized diagnostic, monitoring, and treatment pathways for diabetes, delivered through a personalized multidisciplinary approach.
Looking for Diabetes Care?
Related services:
Services for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes are available at:
- IRCCS ISMETT (Palermo).
- UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital (Rome).
On this page
- What Is Diabetes?
- What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
- How Do You Diagnose Diabetes?
- How Do You Treat Diabetes?
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia). Glucose is one of the body’s primary sources of energy and is regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.
After meals, carbohydrates are converted into glucose and released into the bloodstream. Insulin enables glucose to enter the body’s cells, where it is used as a source of energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, glucose accumulates in the blood.
Over time, persistently high blood sugar levels can damage various organs and body systems, increasing the risk of cardiovascular, kidney, neurological, and eye complications.
What are the types of diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. It occurs most frequently during childhood and adolescence but can develop at any age. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It develops when the body becomes less responsive to insulin (insulin resistance) or does not produce enough insulin. It is associated with genetic factors, overweight, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before conception. It requires specialist monitoring to protect the health of both mother and baby and, in most cases, resolves after childbirth.
Causes and risk factors of diabetes
The causes of diabetes vary depending on the type of the disease.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production. Although the exact causes are not yet fully understood, both genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role in its development.
In type 2 diabetes, several factors contribute to the condition, including family history, overweight, obesity, physical inactivity, and metabolic abnormalities that promote insulin resistance.
The main risk factors include:
- Family history of diabetes.
- Overweight or obesity, particularly abdominal obesity.
- Physical inactivity.
- Older age.
- High blood pressure.
- Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Previous gestational diabetes.
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (fatty liver disease).
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes may develop gradually or appear suddenly, especially in type 1 diabetes. In many people with type 2 diabetes, symptoms may initially be mild or absent, and the condition is often diagnosed during routine health checks.
Common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst.
- Frequent urination.
- Excessive hunger.
- Persistent fatigue.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Blurred vision.
- Recurrent infections.
- Slow wound healing.
- Tingling or reduced sensation in the hands and feet.
In some individuals, particularly during the early stages of type 2 diabetes, symptoms may be mild or absent, and diagnosis may occur during routine screening.
Prediabetes: a warning sign not to be overlooked
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes.
Identifying and addressing prediabetes through lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its associated complications.
When should you consult a specialist?
It is advisable to consult a specialist if you experience symptoms consistent with diabetes, have significant risk factors, or show abnormal blood glucose levels during routine testing.
How Do You Diagnose Diabetes?
The diagnosis of diabetes is primarily based on measuring blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a test that reflects average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months.
The most commonly used tests include:
- Fasting blood glucose.
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
- Blood glucose monitoring.
During pregnancy, a specific glucose challenge test may be recommended to identify gestational diabetes, according to the specialist’s recommendations.
How Do You Treat Diabetes?
Treatment depends on the type of diabetes, the severity of the condition, and the individual characteristics of the patient.
Lifestyle modifications
A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management are fundamental components of diabetes care. Avoiding smoking and following the blood glucose monitoring plan prescribed by your physician are also important.
Pharmacological treatment
When necessary, treatment may include:
- Insulin therapy.
- Oral antidiabetic medications.
- Non-insulin injectable medications.
The goal of treatment is to achieve and maintain good glycemic control while reducing the risk of long-term complications.
What complications can diabetes cause?
If not properly controlled, diabetes can increase the risk of:
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Stroke.
- Diabetic kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy).
- Diabetic neuropathy.
- Diabetic retinopathy.
- Diabetic foot complications.
Prevention and regular monitoring are essential to reducing the risk of complications.
Reviewed November 2026.