Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes used to be called "juvenile" diabetes because most people were diagnosed with this condition as children. It was also known as "insulin -dependent diabetes.mellitus." It has since been learned that type 1 diabetes is mostly diagnosed before the age of 30 years.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's pancreas does not produce insulin, which leads to glucose (sugar) building up in the blood, instead of being used by the body for energy.
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known. It may have to do with the body's immune system sending signals to attack the insulin-producing. cells in the pancreas, or it may be .related to genetics or environmental factors, or combination of both.
Type 1 diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar. A family history of type 1 diabetes can put you at a slightly higher risk but there are no risk factors that can be changed.Base on current trends of type 1 diabetes, it is thought that the majority of new cases of diabetes in coming years will be type 2 diabetes , rather that type 1. The number of people being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is rising by about 3 - 5% per year. The age group with the greatest increase is five-to-nine-year-olds.
Some of the subtle and more common symptoms include:
* Extreme thirst
* Frequent urination
* Feeling very tired
* Constant hunger
* Blurry visiont to
* Weight loss
Type 1 diabetes can also appear quickly and without warning. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible. If you have noticed any of the listed symptoms ,you may want to consider seeing your doctor to be tested.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a health condition where your blood sugar level is above what is considered "normal." The body's pancreas makes insulin to break down food nutrients to be used by the body's cells and tissues. However, in people with type 2 diabetes, insulin is not being used properly by your body. This leads to increased sugar (glucose) which builds up in your blood.
Some common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
* Extreme thirst
* Frequent urination
* Unexplained weight loss
* Feeling tired
* Wounds that take a long time to heal
* Extreme hunger
* Frequent infections
* Sudden changes in vision
* Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
Known risk factors include:
* Family history of diabetes
* Being over age 40
* Being overweight (especially if the excessive weight is around your mid-section).
* Smoking
* A previous diagnosis of "gestational diabetes" (diabetes while pregnant)
* Being diagnosed with the "metabolic syndrome," "impaired glucose tolerance," or "impaired fasting glucose." These three conditions are considered to be indicators of pre-diabetes.
Although there is evidence that diabetes can be prevented before it develops ( by making changes in your diet and increasing your level of physical activity), there is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes.
Some of the subtle and more common symptoms include:
* Extreme thirst
* Frequent urination
* Feeling very tired
* Constant hunger
* Blurry visiont to
* Weight loss
Type 1 diabetes can also appear quickly and without warning. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible. If you have noticed any of the listed symptoms ,you may want to consider seeing your doctor to be tested.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a health condition where your blood sugar level is above what is considered "normal." The body's pancreas makes insulin to break down food nutrients to be used by the body's cells and tissues. However, in people with type 2 diabetes, insulin is not being used properly by your body. This leads to increased sugar (glucose) which builds up in your blood.
Some common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
* Extreme thirst
* Frequent urination
* Unexplained weight loss
* Feeling tired
* Wounds that take a long time to heal
* Extreme hunger
* Frequent infections
* Sudden changes in vision
* Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
Known risk factors include:
* Family history of diabetes
* Being over age 40
* Being overweight (especially if the excessive weight is around your mid-section).
* Smoking
* A previous diagnosis of "gestational diabetes" (diabetes while pregnant)
* Being diagnosed with the "metabolic syndrome," "impaired glucose tolerance," or "impaired fasting glucose." These three conditions are considered to be indicators of pre-diabetes.
Although there is evidence that diabetes can be prevented before it develops ( by making changes in your diet and increasing your level of physical activity), there is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes.
