How fast can you get diabetes?

The development of diabetes depends on several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Here’s a breakdown:

• Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition that can develop rapidly, often within weeks or months, as the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Type 2 Diabetes: This form develops more slowly, often over years. It is typically linked to insulin resistance and lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity.
• Prediabetes: Before developing Type 2 diabetes, many people experience prediabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. This stage can last for years.

If you have risk factors for diabetes, such as a family history or obesity, regular screening and lifestyle changes can help delay or prevent the onset of diabetes.