Diabetes Management

Types Of Diabetes and How To Manage It

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an estimated 8.2% of the US population is diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that interferes with how our bodies produce energy from the food we consume.The body breaks food down into glucose, the prime energy source, and mixes it in the bloodstream. When blood sugar levels are high, the pancreas produces insulin, turning excess sugar into energy. With diabetes, the pancreas does not produce or become resistant to the required insulin, and glucose levels rise in the blood. This can cause serious health issues affecting the heart, kidneys, etc.

There are three main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes
2. Type 2 Diabetes
3. Gestational Diabetes

Let us dig into each one of them individually.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin is the key to proper glucose absorption by the body’s cells. When there is no production of insulin, the glucose present in the blood is not absorbed by the cells. This increases the quantity of sugar in the blood and causes a condition known as hyperglycemia. When this happens, the body cannot process the excess blood sugar and works towards removing it via urination. Increased urination causes dehydration which leads to the number one symptom of hyperglycemia: severe headaches.

In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot use food to produce energy. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes develop quickly, and can be diagnosed in children, teens, and adults. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are:

• Excessive thirst and hunger 
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Blurred Vision
• Slow wound healing
• Weight loss

In Type 1 Diabetes, the damage done to the body is permanent; the only available treatment is taking insulin injections daily.

Type 2 Diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, the body stops using insulin, leading to increased blood sugar levels. This condition begins as insulin resistance. The pancreas will then produce more insulin to meet the body's demands. But as there is resistance from the cells, the glucose in the blood does not break down and keeps accumulating. The pancreas may also begin to produce less insulin. High blood sugar levels often lead to serious health conditions. Symptoms of type 2 can be similar to type 1 diabetes, or you may not experience any symptoms at all. Good lifestyle changes like weight loss, a healthy diet, and continued physical activity could help prevent or delay this type of disease.

Type 2 diabetes is commonly diagnosed in adults. About 90-95% of those with diabetes have type 2.

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas does not produce insulin anymore. It is an autoimmune disease found mostly in the younger age group.

Type 2 diabetes is caused when the pancreas produces less than the required quantities of insulin or the cells resist the insulin. This is more common than type 1 and is found mostly in adults.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. It can affect women whether they have been diagnosed with diabetes before pregnancy or not and go away giving birth. In gestational diabetes, the baby could be at a higher risk of developing health problems, and the risk of the mother developing the disease later on in life increases.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the way the body breaks down food can alter the effects of insulin and causes gestational diabetes. Nausea, frequent urination, fatigue, and thirst are some symptoms of gestational diabetes. The baby is also at risk of being born with increased weight, breathing problems, hypoglycemia, and obesity.

Diabetes Treatment

Diabetes has an impact on the overall body. Some of the ways to keep diabetes at bay are:

1. Eating a healthy diet
2. Regular exercise
3. Monitoring blood glucose levels
4. Maintaining blood cholesterol levels
5. Managing blood pressure
6. Maintaining a healthy weight
7. Quitting smoking

Prediabetes is a condition when blood sugar levels rise above the normal level but not as high as to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and stroke.

Regular exercise is so important to maintain your health and well-being. Here are some of the top-rated exercise products at HPFY: 

1. Carex Pedal Exerciser

Carex Pedal Exerciser is a multi-exercise machine used to strengthen the upper and lower body. It features Velcro straps to tighten the grip on the feet or hands securely. It also comes with a tension control knob to regulate resistance. Its lightweight, compact, and portable design makes staying in shape easy indoors and outdoors.

2. Body Sport Training Rope

Body Sport Training Rope engages the arms, hands, shoulders, back, core, and legs for a  full-body workout. It is easy to grip and can be used indoors and outdoors. This rope is made of durable poly-twine and is beneficial in strength and endurance workouts.

3. FabStretch Four-Level Incline Board

The FabStretch Four Level Incline Board is an effective tool to exercise the calves and upper and lower back all at the same time. It is made of heavy-duty composite plastic, has four adjustment levels, and can bear up to 500lbs. The FabStretch board helps reduce pain and stiffness, improves blood circulation, improves muscle function, and helps maintain overall health.