What You Should Know About Diabetes

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) a group of diseases typified by elevated blood glucose levels. A person with diabetes has the inability to produce insulin. This can result in severe health problems and premature death. 

Type 1: People, who have Type 1 Diabetes, are dependant on insulin. The body’s immune system destroys insulin-making cells, and thus cannot regulate blood glucose. Type 1 diabetes is also called Juvenile diabetes as it strikes children and young adults. It can however, occur at any age. Risk factors for Type 1 Diabetes include autoimmune defects, genetic factors, and environmental factors such as viruses or allergies. Neither diet nor exercise can prevent Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is managed through daily blood sugar testing, insulin injections, and careful meal planning. People with Type 1 diabetes can also develop Type 2 diabietes.

Type 2: Adult onset diabetes is a result of cells not using insulin properly. This type of diabetes is the most common form. It typically begins with a resistance to insulin where slowly, over time the pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin. There are specific risk factors for this type of diabetes. They include the elderly, obese, family history, history of gestational diabetes, people with impaired glucose metabolism, inactive people, and people of African, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian, Hawaiian, or Pacific Island decent. The risks of getting Type 2 Diabetes can be lowered losing weight, exercising, and following a healthy diet. A person with type 2 diabetes can control it in the same way a high-risk person would try to prevent it. In addition to diet and exercise, thy may need to take oral medication.