Types of Diabetes

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to properly use and store glucose (a form of sugar).

Glucose backs up in the bloodstream - causing one’s blood glucose (blood sugar) to rise too high. There are two major types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes (formerly called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent): 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 Diabetes (formerly called adult-onset or non insulin-dependent): results, when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or, is unable to use insulin properly (insulin resistance). This form of diabetes usually occurs in people who are over 40, overweight,
and have a family history of diabetes.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Being 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

WHO IS AT RISK OF GETTING DIABETES?

People with a Family History of Diabetes (siblings or parents)

Overweight people

Persons with high cholesterol

Persons with high blood pressure

Physical inactive people

Persons who had a stroke or heart attack

Women with a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) are more likely to develop full-blown diabetes later in life

Women who had a new-born weighing more than 4kg at birth

Women with a history of Polycystic Ovarian Disease

The risk of developing diabetes also increases as people grow older. People who are over 40 and overweight are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes

COMPLICATIONS

Heart attacks

Strokes

Blindness

Kidney failure

Blood vessel disease that may require an amputation (circulation problems) / gangrene

Nerve damage – neurogenic bladder, etc.

Impotence in men

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Eating healthy and having a balanced diet is important in managing your diabetes.

Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietician to help you with a dietary plan.

They will help you with managing a well-balanced meal, portion sizes, to coordinate meals with medications and to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages.[1]

Educate yourself on diabetes, the type of diabetes you have, warning signs, etc.

Regular exercise: for about 30 minutes and for at least five times a week. The exercise should make you sweat and breathe harder and always hydrate. [2]

Avoid alcohol: alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels because as it is getting metabolized by the liver, the liver is unable to regulate the blood sugar levels properly. [1]

Ask the doctor about methods to manage stress as stress can lead to high blood sugar levels. [1]

Stop smoking as it can increase the risk of nerve and blood vessel damage which can put you at risk of cardiovascular disease. [1]

Go for regular check-ups and take your medications as directed by your doctor. [2]

If you take insulin, make sure you store it as directed by the doctor. [2]

Wear closed shoes when outside, keep your feet clean and dry and always look out for sores or cuts and attend to them immediately.