Type 1 Diabetes:
A person with Type 1 diabetes can't make any insulin. Type 1 most often occurs before age 30, but may strike at any age. Type 1 can be caused by a genetic disorder. The origins of Type 1 are not fully understood, and there are several theories. But all of the possible causes still have the same end result: The pancreas produces very little or no insulin anymore. Frequent insulin injections are needed for Type 1.
Type 2 Diabetes:
A person with Type 2 diabetes has adequate insulin, but the cells have become resistant to it. Type 2 usually occurs in adults over 35 years old, but can affect anyone, including children. The National Institutes of Health state that 95 percent of all diabetes cases are Type 2. Why? It's a lifestyle disease, triggered by obesity, a lack of exercise, increased age and to some degree, genetic predisposition.
Gestational Diabetes:
Gestational diabetes (GD) affects about 4 percent of all pregnant women. It usually appears during the second trimester and disappears after the birth of the baby.
Like Type 1 and Type 2, your body can't use glucose effectively and blood glucose levels get too high. When GD is not controlled, complications can affect both you and your baby. Your doctor will help you work out a diet and exercise plan, and possibly medication. Having GD increases your risk for developing it again during future pregnancies and also raises your risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Top Warning Signs of Diabetes
Frequent trips to the bathroom
Unquenchable Thirst
Losing Weight Without Trying
Weakness and Fatigue
Tingling or Numbness in Your Hands, Legs or Feet
Other Signs and Symptoms That Can Occur:
Blurred vision, skin that is dry or itchy, frequent infections or cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal are also signs that something is amiss. Again, when these signs are associated with diabetes, they are the result of high glucose levels in the body. If you notice any of the above signs, schedule an appointment with your doctor. He or she will be able to tell you if you have reason to be concerned about a diagnosis of diabetes.
After a Diabetes Diagnosis
Having diabetes is like being in charge of a many-armed octopus. There isn't just one cut and dried way of coping with the disease because it's managed on a lot of different levels. At first, it might seem like an overwhelming amount of information is thrown at you. There are medications, food plans, and schedules. You have to learn how to operate medical equipment such as a glucometer, or maybe an insulin pump. You may need to learn how to give yourself insulin injections.
Treatments for Diabetes
A diagnosis of diabetes can bring on many new challenges. Depending on what type of diabetes you have, you may need medication or insulin. You may need to make dietary and other lifestyle changes.
Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes
* Insulin Action Reference Chart
* Insulin Pump Therapy
* How To Give An Insulin Injection
Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
* Oral Medications for Managing Type 2 Diabetes
* Medication Reference Chart for Type 2 Diabetes
* Januvia - A New Drug for Type 2 Diabetes
* Byetta - A New Approach for Type 2 Diabetes
Nutrition and Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the few diseases where food monitoring is one of the treatments. The carbohydrate, fat and protein content of daily meals determine blood glucose levels. It's important to keep them in balance.