A Brief Explanation of the Types of Diabetes

There are many people who struggle with diabetes, which is no doubt a condition that is not pleasant to deal with. It is however possible to properly deal with diabetes and prevent the long term and serious issues which diabetes can bring on.

Being educated on the subject is the best way to manage your diabetes or help someone you love manage theirs. In this article we will provide some important information on this subject…

What Is Diabetes?

When your blood sugar, also known as your glucose levels is too high, you have diabetes. The main type of sugar in your blood is glucose this is the main source of your body’s energy. The food you eat as well as the liver and muscles provide your body with glucose. The glucose is then carried by your blood to every cell in your body providing much needed energy.

There is an organ which can be found between your spine and stomach and helps with the process of digestion which is called the pancreas, the pancreas makes and releases a hormone into your blood, this hormone is called insulin.

There are times in which the body does not produce sufficient insulin or perhaps the insulin is not functioning as it should. When this happens the glucose does not leave the blood and make its way to the cells. When the levels of glucose in your blood become too high, prediabetes or diabetes will ensue. High levels of glucose in your blood for a long period of time can cause serious health issues.

What is Prediabetes?

When the levels of glucose in your blood are elevated yet not high enough to be diabetes, you are prediabetic. By being prediabetic, it is easier to be at risk for type 2 diabetes, strokes and heart disease, By losing weight, exercising moderately yet regularly and eating in a healthy manner, preventing type two diabetes is easy. It may not even be necessary to use medications to return the glucose levels to normal.

Signs and Symptoms to Be Aware Of

Here are some of the main signs of diabetes:

Frequent Urination
Extreme Fatigue
Unprovoked Weight Loss
Extreme Thirst
Extreme Hunger
Sores Which Take Long to Heal
The Sensation of Pins and Needles in the Feet
Blurry Vision
Itchy and Dry Skin
Loss of Sensation
It is important to keep in mind that there are people with none of the above mentioned symptoms and signs that do have diabetes. A blood test is the only way to be certain whether or not it exists.

What Types of Diabetes Are There?

There are three main types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational. Both men and women can develop diabetes and this can happen at any age. Here is a brief explanation of the types of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type one diabetes used to be referred to as juvenile diabetes and is more common among young people, this however does not mean that adults are not at risk for this type of diabetes. With type one diabetes your body does not make enough or makes no insulin, this is due to the body’s immune system which will normally protect the body from infection by getting rid of viruses bacteria and substances which can be harmful. This is not longer possible being as it has been not only attacked, but also destroyed by the cells responsible for making insulin.

How Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Controlled?

Insulin shots
Healthy Diet
Controlling the Blood Pressure Levels
Oral Medications
Physical Activity
Control of Cholesterol Levels

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, this type of diabetes can affect anyone of any age even small children. That being said, it is more common for middle aged to older individuals. Those who are inactive and overweight are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes.

Generally insulin resistance is what begins on the onset of type 2 diabetes, this condition occurs when muscle, fat and liver cells are not using insulin to carry the glucose into the cells of the body to provide the energy the body needs. This causes the body to need higher levels of insulin to assist the glucose in entering the cells.

At the beginning the pancreas is able to handle the higher demand for insulin. However, as time goes by as blood sugar levels increase, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin, this occurs for example right after meals. If the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, the type 2 diabetes requires treatment.

How Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Treated?

Healthy Diet
Control of The Blood Pressure Levels
The Use of Medications for Diabetes
Control Over the Levels of Cholesterol

If you suspect you or someone you know has diabetes, it is important to immediately consult your primary care physician. Maintaining diabetes is crucial, if not properly maintained there could be very serious health repercussions so take immediate action.

For more explanations about the different types of diabetes, you may also want to check the video below… All the best!