Taking Care of Yourself

As with any type of disease, the more you know about it, the easier it is to cope with on a day to day basis. That is why it is important to understand exactly what the details are regarding your specific type of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, most commonly begins in children and young adults. In this type, the body does not produce insulin and, therefore, does not properly convert and transport sugar from the blood to the cells.

Because the body does not produce insulin, those with type 1 diabetes must be injected with insulin shots so the body can function and prosper. According to Diabetes & Diabetics, there are many different types of insulin, some of which act quickly and only last a short time and others that take longer to process within the body but last almost 24 hours. For more information and a chart comparing six of the most common types of insulin, click here. Other, newer methods of supplying the body with insulin are also becoming more common, specifically the insulin pump. By combining the regulation of the body’s insulin with proper diet, exercise, and weight management, many of those suffering from type 1 diabetes learn to live happy, productive lives.

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common form of diabetes, type 2 occurs when the body either does not produce or does not properly use insulin. Two possible situations occur with type 2 diabetes: either 1) the cells cannot properly function because of a lack of energy (sugar) that results when the body does not make insulin, just like type 1; or 2) the cells do not know how to properly use the insulin being produced, so the sugar builds up, resulting in possible heart, kidney, nerve, or eye damage.

Much like those suffering from type 1 diabetes, patients with type 2 must also receive the insulin the body is not producing from another source. Insulin shots and insulin pumps are available for use for these purposes. However, when you suffer from type 2 diabetes, sometimes regulating your insulin and maintaining a proper diet and exercise regime are not enough. When this is the case, your doctor may prescribe a type of diabetes medication that helps the cells better accept and utilize the glucose. Not all patients suffering from type 2 diabetes benefit from the diabetes pills, however; according to the American Diabetes Association, sometimes pills will stop working after several months or years. And it is not uncommon for those on diabetes medication to still have to inject insulin.

Complications and Conditions: Type 1 and 2

Regardless of whether you suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is essential that you become aware of the other risks that are associated with the disease. Concerns such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage may arise. Further, complications with the feet, skin, and eyes are also common side effects that, if monitored, prevented, or treated early, can be avoided or minimized. In short, the best means of avoiding the life–threatening conditions for which diabetes puts you at risk is to arm yourself with knowledge about the conditions and maintain a healthy weight and proper diet and exercise routine.

Conditions such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia as well as ketoacidosis result from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a good idea to be familiar with these dangerous conditions as well as others, so you are aware of any signs that they may be developing. For more information about diabetes management, conditions, and treatment, logon to the American Diabetes Association website and click on the All About Diabetes link.