What Are The Two Types Of Diabetes

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Our body needs energy to move about and function well in the course of our daily living. We get our energy from the food we eat. Our body will break down what we eat especially those that fall into the carbohydrates group - into sugar. This sugar or glucose will be carried by the blood into the many cells in the body. But here is the catch it needs insulin so that the cells will allow glucose to enter into them.

For those who may already have learned something about diabetes, the word insulin is already familiar to them. Insulin plays a vital role for controlling the amount of glucose in the blood. It is the pancreas that produces this insulin. Yet, while your pancreas may be functioning well, there is still a chance that your glucose levels remain high a condition termed as insulin resistance.

One may also have already heard of the types of diabetes. There is Type 1 Diabetes and there is Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes happens when the immune system of the body attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. This will result to a lesser insulin production or at worse, no insulin at all. This is why you must have known a diabetes patient who takes insulin shots. This is necessary for one with type 1 diabetes and this insulin shots will be taken as often as required. This type of diabetes needs special attention, as there are cases wherein the patient will experience a life-threatening diabetic coma. It is critical that the patient takes insulin as prescribed by his or her physician.

Type 2 diabetes is probably the most common than type of diabetes. Most with this type are overweight, in his later years, with a family history of such health condition and are physically inactive. This is where the insulin resistance condition fits in. The pancreas is able to produce enough insulin yet the body is not able to effectively and efficiently use it. Because of this, the blood will have high glucose levels.

One with diabetes will experience increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and slow healing of wounds. This is why having diabetes is feared by many and what is more, is that diabetes is known to complicate your other health conditions as high blood; many diabetes patients have had a stroke. Diabetes may also lead to blindness, nerve damage and kidney failure. This health condition really deserves your attention and should alert you to address this well.

A person with diabetes should closely monitor his blood sugar levels making sure it neither drops too low nor shoots up way too high. When the blood sugar levels are too low, one is said to be in a condition referred to as hypoglycemia. If the blood sugar levels are very high, the condition is termed as hyperglycemia.

It is important that a person with diabetes should not only be concerned with blood sugar levels but in his overall health as well. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels should be monitored as well. One must be disciplined enough to make some lifestyle changes along with the medications prescribed by the doctor.

Eating healthy should be a main priority avoiding too much carbohydrates in the diet. Carbohydrates in the diet should come mainly from fruits and vegetables. Junk foods and sweets should be avoided. A balanced and nutritious diet is important.

Also, one must subscribe to an active lifestyle. This improves blood circulation and your general state of health. It will stabilize your mood and will leave you with a feeling of more energy throughout the day. It will also keep you fit and will allow you to use those excess calories.

Deal with your diabetes effectively and work with your doctor towards your optimum health given your condition. More than the medication you take, should be the discipline to take on a healthier lifestyle to improve your condition.

Related Articles From WebMD:

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• Insulin for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• Diabetes Causes and Types: Pre-Diabetes, Types 1 and 2, and More