Well you should not feel alone, because there are millions of other people around the world right now who are suffering from the very same condition and who are feeling lost and alone just like you. There are two major different types of diabetes that a person can develop but in either case you are going to need to make sure that you understand the severity of this condition and that you are going to be doing everything that you need to in order to make sure that you are in good health and that you are taking proper care of yourself.
If you were just diagnosed with diabetes, your mind is probably spinning and your emotions wandering. But take heart! You’re going to be just fine. Diabetes is not a death sentence. It is the time to keep a cool head and put together a practical programme, to keep the disease in control. Understanding how diabetes affects you will give you an increased sense of confidence and comfort, and can help you achieve a full and balanced life.
Twenty-four million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, but it’s estimated that an additional 5.7 million people have the disease and don’t know it. How is that possible? Type 2 diabetes doesn’t always have clear symptoms, and often people aren’t even aware that they have it.
Type 1 diabetes occurs because the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (called beta cells) are destroyed by the immune system. People with type 1 diabetes produce no insulin and must use insulin injections to control their blood glucose. Type 1 diabetes most commonly starts in people under the age of 20, but may occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.
Type 2 diabetes Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin.
However, the insulin their pancreas secretes is either not enough or the body is unable to recognize the insulin and use it properly. When there isn’t enough insulin or the insulin is not used as it should be, glucose can’t get into the body’s cells. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It usually occurs in people over age 40 who are overweight, but can occur in people who are not overweight. Sometimes referred to as “adult-onset diabetes,” type 2 diabetes has started to appear more often in children because of the rise in obesity in young people.
Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is triggered by pregnancy. Hormone changes during pregnancy can affect insulin’s ability to work properly. The condition occurs in approximately 4% of all pregnancies. Screening for gestational diabetes is performed during pregnancy. Left untreated, gestational diabetes increases the risk of complications to both the mother and her unborn child. Usually, blood glucose levels return to normal within six weeks of childbirth.
Warning signs: The symptoms of type 1 diabetes often occur suddenly and can be severe. They include increased thirst, increased hunger (especially after eating), a dry mouth, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry), fatigue (weak, tired feeling), a blurred vision, lack of interest and concentration, labored heavy breathing.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may be the same as those listed above. Often, there are no symptoms or a very gradual development of the above symptoms. Other symptoms may include frequent infections and slow-healing of wounds, itching of the skin (usually in the vaginal or groin area), numbness or tingling of the hands and feet, impotence or erectile dysfunction.
Who is at risk of diabetes?
There are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes. They include obesity and overweight, lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle, previously identified glucose intolerance, unhealthy diet, increased age, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, stress, certain drugs (clozapine, risperidone, etc), genes, a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes and ethnicity.
Managing Diabetes
There is substantial evidence that achieving a healthy body weight and moderate physical activity can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Everyone with diabetes needs to be in the care of a capable doctor. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be the person who diagnosed your diabetes. You’re going to be seeing your health care team at least three to four times a year.
Conclusion
Diabetes management requires awareness. Know what makes your blood sugar level rise and fall. People with diabetes need to monitor their blood glucose, take medication, exercise regularly and adjust their eating habits. Whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes or you have lived with the condition for many years, your concerns are probably much the same to learn to live a full and healthy life with diabetes.
A substantial proportion of the predominant type of diabetes, type 2, can be prevented through physical activity and healthy eating. Your diabetes and your health are completely under your control. Take good care of yourself and you’ll live a long, happy, healthy life