Diabetes: The Basics
What is diabetes? How does it occur?
In this post, you will be able to find some basic information about each type of diabetes.
There are three types of
diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational. For simplicity's sake, I will address each separately.
Type 1 Diabetes
What is type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is unique in
that the body does not produce insulin at all. Because insulin is required to convert food source into energy, proper
treatment and management are extremely important.
Common Symptoms: Extreme thirst, feeling hungry, extreme fatigue more often than not,
blurry eyesight, numbness or tingling in the feet, losing weight without
trying, and frequent urination
Tell me a little bit more about it…
Type 1 diabetes affects
only a very small portion of the population (5%) that is living with diabetes.
This form of diabetes is typically diagnosed early on in children and young
adults. It may be treated using insulin therapy, exercise management, and
dietary management. As important as insulin therapy, exercise therapy and
dietary measures are equally as important in monitoring glucose levels
so that the individual may live a healthy and happy life.
Type 2 Diabetes
What is type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is somewhat the opposite of type 1 diabetes. In
type 2, your blood glucose levels are too high instead of too low as in type 1.
In type 2, insulin is not made or used effectively. This form is similar to
gestational diabetes in that too much glucose remains in the blood.
Common Symptoms: Fatigue, increased hunger, increased thirst, increased
urination, blurred vision, pain/numbness in the hands or feet, cuts and bruises
that are slow to heal, frequent infections, and erectile dysfunction
A little bit more information…
Several factors may help predict the likelihood of a person developing type 2 diabetes:
There are measures than can be taken to prevent type 2 diabetes. Some actions that can be taken are a regularly occurring exercise routine, healthy eating and dietary habits, and an active, healthy lifestyle overall.
An action plan to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease includes the following:
- Sex (males have higher rates)
- Age (risk increases with age)
- BMI measurement (height-to-weight ratio)
- high blood pressure
- diet
- exercise
There are measures than can be taken to prevent type 2 diabetes. Some actions that can be taken are a regularly occurring exercise routine, healthy eating and dietary habits, and an active, healthy lifestyle overall.
An action plan to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease includes the following:
- regularly-occurring exercise routines
- nutritional foods
- development of positive healthy eating habits
- overall active, non-sedentary lifestyle
Without proper treatment and management, severe health problems can and may occur.
View this video to learn more about type 2 diabetes in greater detail.
Gestational Diabetes
So, what exactly is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes may be found in women that retain a high
blood glucose level during pregnancy.
There aren’t any known factors that predispose women to this type of diabetes. A pregnant woman may acquire
gestational diabetes regardless of whether or not she had diabetes prior to
becoming pregnant. The condition generally lasts only through the period of pregnancy. Most often, it disappears entirely afterward. Currently, about
18% of pregnant women develop gestational of
diabetes.
Though the direct cause of
gestational diabetes is not yet confirmed, doctors and researchers alike have
discussed a strong suspicion of what may be the culprit. Similar to other forms
of diabetes, insulin resistance is a key factor in the role of gestational
diabetes. The American Diabetes Association explains that the hormones that aid
in fetal development “also block the action of the mother’s insulin in her body...,” which, in turn, causes the possibility of the need for “up to three times as much insulin.”
(American Diabetes Association)
How will I be affected? It isn’t until around 24 weeks into the pregnancy that
gestational diabetes is detectable. This is due to the late development of this
type of diabetes. It will not be able to occur until after the baby’s body is
formed. Often times, the mother will be asymptomatic. Due to lacking signs or symptoms, doctors routinely check pregnant women for gestational
diabetes once they have developed far along enough.
With proper treatment, there
is just a much of a possibility of delivery of a healthy baby as there is with
a pregnancy that lacks gestational diabetes. However, without proper treatment,
harm can be done to both the mother and the baby. Left untreated, the baby will
produce an excess of insulin leading to potential for problems at birth, in
childhood, and adulthood. The baby will be at an increased risk for obesity and
type 2 diabetes. (ADA)
Resources:
Here is a link to the
American Diabetes Association website where you will find the quick and easy
quiz to assess your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes: http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/
This book, “Guide to
Raising a Child with Diabetes” may be a very helpful tool. http://www.shopdiabetes.org/548-ADA-Guide-to-Raising-a-Child-with-Diabetes-3rd-Edition.aspx?loc=type1&source=dorg
Online Resources:
Recursos para diabetes en
español:
Sources:
American Diabetes
Association, www.diabetes.org
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