About the different types of diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolism disorder in which the body does not produce any insulin, does not produce sufficient amounts of insulin, or do not respond properly to insulin production. The hormone insulin is normally produced by the pancreas, and is essential for moving blood glucose into the cells to maintain proper blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause various symptoms including excess thirst, blurry vision, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss and excess hunger.
The three major types of diabetes include:
- Diabetes Type 1 – no insulin is produced.
- Diabetes Type 2 – insufficient amount of insulin are produced, or the insulin that is produced is not functioning properly.
- Gestational Diabetes – diabetes is developed during pregnancy and is typically resolved after giving birth.
While gestational diabetes is a short-term condition, Diabetes 1 and 2 are considered chronic conditions.
An individual with diabetes experiences hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). At the same time, even though the blood contains an excessive amount of glucose, the cells in the body are not able to access this glucose because of metabolic issues. In order to treat this problem, it is imperative that a person with diabetes receive regular medications or insulin.
The treatment plan for individuals with Type 1 diabetes is usually daily insulin injections, regular physical exercise and dietary changes. People with Type 2 diabetes may also require insulin injections, but usually must adhere to taking insulin tablets and following a special exercise-diet plan.
Women with gestational diabetes need to keep a close watch on their daily blood sugar levels. In many cases, gestational diabetes can be effectively treated with a healthy diet that includes controlled carbohydrate consumption, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. In some cases, women with this condition will also need extra insulin in order to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
If you have questions about healthy nutrition for people with diabetes, contact your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a dietitian and nutritionist.
