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About Diabetes
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 When you first meet someone, you’d never know they have it. Yet, according to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a disease known and lived with by an estimated 23.6 million children and adults in the United States. Those diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes soon find daily health challenges associated with managing this insulin-dependent disease. People diagnosed with diabetes may find themselves regularly monitoring their blood glucose level, having to abide by a rigid eating schedule, and carefully caring for any newly found wounds. So, what exactly is diabetes and what causes this disease?
Diabetes occurs when ones immune system attacks the beta cells found within the pancreas. Beta cells are charged with the vital function of producing insulin in our body. Insulin in turn breaks down the glucose (and starches) found in our blood and converts it to energy. When this insulin cannot be produced, the glucose stays in the blood. Blood glucose levels may become dangerously low or high, and prompt a life threatening reaction.
Whether diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, people living with this disease may require a prescribed daily insulin injection or an insulin pump. People who are diagnosed with diabetes often regulate their diets and monitor their activities and exercise in effort to best manage their disease.
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Type1
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Type 1 Diabetes, also referred to as Juvenile Diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. It is not contagious, but this autoimmune disease has been linked to genetics, with risk factors stemming from both parents. People diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes experience a lifetime of insulin-dependence, as their bodies are not able to produce any insulin naturally.
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Type2
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Type 2 Diabetes may be diagnosed in people of all ages, when their body does not produce enough insulin naturally or the cells ignore the insulin that is made by their body. Risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes include obesity, hypertension, and inactivity. Type 2 diabetes may also run in families, although well-balanced nutrition and increased activity levels may play a critical part in curbing this disease.
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Warning Signs and Long-Term Complications
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Prior to being diagnosed with diabetes, one may find that they have been living in a pre-diabetic state where their blood glucose levels have been higher than the normal range. Many people living in this pre-diabetes stage are not even aware that they are at risk, because the symptoms may have developed gradually over a long period of time. Recognizing the symptoms is key for knowing when it is critical to seek evaluation and treatment from a medical professional. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International and the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, early warning signs for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include extreme thirst, frequent urination, increase in appetite, sudden weight loss, increased drowsiness or fatigue, and heavy breathing. Type 2 symptoms also include blurred vision, slowed healing, or increased infections.
People living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes also have an increased risk for long-term health complications, including heart disease, blindness, osteoporosis, and kidney and nerve damage. It is recommended that people living with diabetes seek regular care from their physicians in effort to pro-actively identify and treat complications brought forth from this disease.
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