There are two major Types of Diabetes. In Type 1, formerly called juvenile-onset Diabetes, the body completely stops producing any insulin, a hormone that enables the body to use glucose found in foods for energy. People with Type 1 Diabetes must take daily insulin injections to survive. This form of Diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can occur at any age. Type 2, formerly called adult-onset Diabetes, results when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or is insulin resistant. This form of Diabetes usually occurs in people who are over 40, overweight, and have a family history of Diabetes. Alarmingly, it is increasingly occurring in younger people, particularly adolescents.
People with Diabetes frequently experience some or all of these symptoms:
Very thirsty
Frequent urination
Weight loss
Increased hunger
Blurry vision
Irritability
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Frequent skin, bladder or gum infections
Wounds that don't heal
Extreme unexplained fatigue
Unfortunately, in Type 2 Diabetes, there are sometimes no symptoms. In this case, people can live for months, even years without knowing they have the Disease. This form of Diabetes comes on so gradually that symptoms may not even be recognized.
Who gets Diabetes?
People who have close relatives with the disease are somewhat more likely to develop it, but really, anyone can have Diabetes. Other risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and low-to-nonexistent physical activity. The risk of developing Diabetes also increases as people grow older. People who are over 40 and overweight are more likely to develop Diabetes, although the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in adolescents is growing. Diabetes is more common among Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. Also, people who develop Diabetes while pregnant (a condition called Gestational Diabetes) are more likely to develop full-blown Diabetes later in life.
How is Diabetes treated?
A good eating plan with emphasis on low amounts of sugar and carbohydrates, and high amounts of protein and vegetables.
A plan for everyday physical activity. Physical activity can help the body use insulin better so it can convert glucose into energy for cells.
Insulin injections for Type 1 Diabetes and even some with Type 2 Diabetes.
Diabetes pills called “oral agents” for most people with Type 2 Diabetes. These “oral agents” help bodies produce more insulin and/or use the insulin it is producing better.
Some people with Type 2 Diabetes can manage their disease without medication by appropriate meal planning and adequate physical activity.
Monitor blood glucose. Daily testing will help determine how well your meal plan, activity plan, and medication are working to keep blood glucose levels in a normal range.
If you have Diabetes, you should be seen at least once every six months by a Diabetes specialist (an endocrinologist or a diabetologist). You should also be seen periodically by other members of a Diabetes treatment team, including a Diabetes nurse educator, and a dietitian who will help develop a meal plan for you. Ideally, you should also see an exercise physiologist for help in developing a physical activity plan, and, perhaps, a social worker, psychologist or other mental health professional for help with the stresses and challenges of living with a chronic disease. You should have regular eye exams (once a year) by an ophthalmologist to make sure that any eye problems associated with Diabetes are caught early and treated before they become serious.
Poorly managed Diabetes can lead to a host of long-term complications such as heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, and blood vessel disease that may require an amputation, nerve damage, and impotence in men. Fortunately, if you keep your blood glucose as close to normal as possible, you can reduce your risk of developing some of these complications by 50 percent or more.
Studies show that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in those adults who are at high risk of getting the disease. Modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) and modest physical activity (30 minutes a day) are recommended goals.
