Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are chronic diseases that affect glucose (blood sugar) getting to the various cells in the body. This disease is caused by either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or because the cells do not respond to the insulin that the body does produce.
There are two main types of diabetes and a few other less common types. Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not produce insulin in sufficient amounts, commonly known as ‘insulin-dependent’ diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is where the cells in the body do not adequately respond to insulin or when the level of insulin produced is not high enough.
Signs of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Classic signs of diabetes apply to both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. These can include weight loss, increased thirst and hunger, and increased urination. These symptoms can be slow to come on or rapid depending upon the severity and type of diabetes. There are also some long-term symptoms and complications which mean diabetes must be managed in a proper way to avoid damage to vital organs. In severe cases when blood sugar is too high or low the patient will be in a state of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
The causes of diabetes vary widely. While sometimes it is an inherited condition, Type 1 diabetes can be developed if the body does have some form of physiological change in the pancreas, cell mutations, or infections. Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle and diet although occasionally it can be attributed to genetics.
Insulin
All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became available around 1920. Because of the seriousness of this disease, it is important that anyone who suffers has access to good and regular healthcare. Although it cannot be cured, it can be managed very successfully but usually involves some drastic lifestyle and dietary changes.
Type 1 diabetes is managed and treated via insulin and sometimes combined with medication. Insulin allows blood sugar to be absorbed into the body and has to be injected into the body as it cannot be taken as a tablet or medicine. If it was swallowed in pill form it would be absorbed in the stomach before it could take effect. Regular tests of blood sugar are made throughout the day and insulin is injected if required. It is something that is easily managed so long as a person looks after their diet.
When medication is required it is done so to help control diabetes and cannot and will not cure it. Once medication once is used, it is done so for the rest of the patient’s life. The medication is used to help maintain the diet and sugar levels although it cannot be used on its own. A dietary change is still required.
Diet for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Diet is the main way in which diabetes is controlled. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes require blood sugar levels to be maintained, monitored, and controlled. Patients often have to severely limit the amount of sugary and carb-based foods they eat. When they do alter their consumption of these foods, they will have to alter their insulin levels accordingly. Experience in dealing with diabetes will let a patient know when and how much they can eat. By not monitoring their glucose levels, they greatly increase the risks involved and the chance of hyper or hypoglycemia setting in.
Conclusion
While diabetes is very serious, it is also very manageable. The different types have different methods of being controlled, however, dietary change is the constant for both. Whilst eating lots of sugary foods will not cause diabetes it will have a dangerous effect on a person who has diabetes.