Diabetes Mellitus: Know the Types, Spot the Signs

Aug 6

2 min read

Diabetes is one of the most common long-term conditions in Malaysia, and many people have it for years without knowing. Understanding what it is and recognising the early signs can make a real difference.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes is a condition where there's too much sugar (glucose) in your blood. It happens when your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it properly.

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. Its job is to move sugar from your blood into your cells, where it's used for energy. Without enough working insulin, sugar builds up in the blood instead.

The three main types

Type 1: the immune system destroys the cells that make insulin. People with type 1 need insulin every day.
Type 2: the most common type. The body becomes resistant to insulin, often linked to weight, diet and lack of exercise.
Gestational diabetes: develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth, but it raises the chance of type 2 diabetes later in life.

Warning signs

Feeling very thirsty and passing urine often
Losing weight without trying, and feeling tired
Blurred vision
Cuts that heal slowly, or infections that keep coming back
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

Why it matters

Left untreated, high blood sugar can harm the heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes and feet. The earlier diabetes is picked up, the easier it is to protect your health.

Get checked

A simple blood test can tell you where you stand. If you have any of the signs above, a family history of diabetes, or you're carrying extra weight, it's worth getting screened. You can also try the Diabetes Risk Calculator on our MedCalc page for a quick check at home.

At Klinik Sinar, we offer diabetes screening and ongoing care, from diagnosis to day-to-day management.