Three Types of Diabetes
Diabetes affects 7.8 percent of the American population (approximately 23.6 million people), and only 17.9 million are aware of it. There are three types of diabetes, all with different causes.
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Types
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Type 1 diabetes is where the body fails to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a form of insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. And gestational diabetes is a disease that affects 5 percent to 10 percent of women during and after pregnancy.
Time Frame
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Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed during childhood. Type 2 diabetes typically occurs later in life with the risk rising at 45 years old and older. And gestational diabetes occurs in the second half of the pregnancy that can develop into Type 2 diabetes if not treated.
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Misconceptions
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Diabetics can eat sugar and sweets as long as they are part of a healthy eating plan. Diabetes is a genetic disease potentially caused by your lifestyle; it is not caused by directly by eating too much sugar. Do not be fooled by healthy food. Just because fruit is good for you does not mean you can eat as much as you want.
Warning
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Diabetes left unchecked can lead to such complications as deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), glaucoma, heart disease, kidney damage, and increases your risk of stroke. With poor circulation in the legs comes the risk of sores and ulcers on your feet becoming infected and not healing, leading to the loss of a foot.
Prevention/Solution
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Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease treatable with insulin, and managing your blood sugar levels with diet and exercise. Type 2 and gestational diabetes are able to be treated with diet and exercise, and in some instances, oral medications.
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References
- Photo Credit SXC.hu
