Diabetes is a very common, well known disease throughout the United States.  Although it does not have to be fatal, it can have devastating effects if it is not managed properly which is why it’s important to know about even if you do not have it.  There are four different types of diabetes, and it can affect people of all ages, sizes, and body types.  The thought that diabetes only affects elderly and overweight people is definitely a misconception.

Type I diabetes usually begins in childhood.  The body’s immune system destroys insulin-creating cells in the pancreas, meaning that the body does not create insulin at all.  Insulin is a hormone that is essential to convert sugar, starches, and other foods into energy.  In order for a person with type I diabetes to manage this problem, they must use some sort of insulin therapy.  Shots are a popular form of insulin therapy and the patient usually has to give themselves the shots throughout the day.  Insulin pumps are another option for controlling type I diabetes.  The pump is attached to the patient’s body and dispenses specific amounts of rapid acting insulin automatically.  Type I is usually easy to manage since the patient learns how to manage it at a young age and become used to having a specific lifestyle.

Type II diabetes can be considered the “adult version.”  Although children can develop it, it is most commonly diagnosed in adults.  95% of individuals affected by diabetes have type II.   It is different from type I because the body still produces insulin, just not in high enough amounts or is ignored by the cells.  There is no cure for this type of diabetes, but it can be managed through a healthy lifestyle.  A patient must eat right, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight.  They may need insulin therapy or medication if changing lifestyle does not improve their symptoms.  Obesity and lack of physical activity are of the main risk factors for type II.

Prediabetes and insulin resistance are widespread forms of the disease.  They are not the full blown disease but can certainly lead to it if they are not managed properly.   Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women, and can cause complications for her and the baby.  Some Risk factors include being older than 25 while pregnant, family history of the disease, high blood pressure, and being overweight prior to your pregnancy.  Both of these types of diabetes can be managed with a healthy diet and exercise.

Although eating the right foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight may not completely inhibit the formation of diabetes, they are certainly factors that contribute to a decreased risk.  Sugary foods should be avoided as much as possible.  It is essential that people infected with any type of diabetes learn how to manage it and change their lifestyle because the disease can cause blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage.  Significant nerve damage may have to be treated with limb amputation, commonly of the feet.  People with diabetes are also at an increased risk for heart disease, eye complications, skin complications, and dental disease.  It is also important to consider the fact that all of these problems can ultimately lead to death.

Symptoms of diabetes usually seem harmless and can easily be mistaken for something else.  The most common signs of type I are frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue, and irritability.  If any of these symptoms persist for an extended period of time, an individual must see a doctor.  Diagnosing diabetes early decreases the chance of developing complications.  A person with type II diabetes may have the same symptoms as type I, along with blurred vision, cuts/bruises that are slow to heal, tingling/numbness in the hands/feet, and recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections.

Diabetes is a serious disease that is manageable and somewhat preventable.  People who have a healthy lifestyle can develop it so don’t ever think that you are “immune” to it.  Be sure to see a doctor regularly if your family has diabetes in its history.  If you experience any of the symptoms for an extended period of time, schedule a check-up.  Know that it’s not the end of the world if you are diagnosed with it and you can life a long, happy life if you manage it correctly.