Sunday, April 24, 2016

U is for Understanding Diabetes

Understanding diabetes starts with knowing the different types of diabetes and their key differences. The two most common types are
type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin because beta cells that make insulin are destroyed by the immune system. So people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults but can also appear in older adults.

Type 2 diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, your body may not make enough insulin, it doesn’t respond to insulin properly (insulin resistance), or both. Most people with diabetes in the United States (about 90% to 95%) have type 2. This kind of diabetes usually occurs in people who are older or in those who are overweight. In fact, about 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. However, in recent years, more children and teens are developing type 2 diabetes, most likely because of obesity and inactivity.

Diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)

Some women may develop diabetes during pregnancy, which is called gestational diabetes. Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes doesn't mean a woman had diabetes before or would continue to have diabetes after giving birth. A woman should follow her health care provider's advice closely during pregnancy.

5 comments:

  1. You've given a very succinct explanation!

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  2. Thanks for breaking this down. Even though my mom had it, I still got confused on the difference between 1 and 2.

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  3. This was one of the points I made when I did a diabetes presentation a couple years back for a class I was taking.

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  4. From what I understand, women with gestational diabetes often have extremely large babies, too. I can't imagine having one any bigger than my first one and I didn't have diabetes, just what the doctor called "borderline diabetes" when I was a little girl. That boy was 8 lbs 8 ozs.

    I am enjoying your series. You have a lot of good information in your posts. Have a blessed evening!

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  5. This entire month you've been promoting understanding of diabetes, and you've done a great job!

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