Types of Diabetes

Type 1

• Previously known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes, it occurs when the pancreas is either unable to produce insulin or is only able to produce a small amount.
• People with Type 1 diabetes must depend on an external supply of insulin. This usually consists of injections they must give themselves several times a day. The amount of insulin given depends on the individual’s eating and exercise patterns for each day.
• About 10% of diabetic Canadians are Type 1.
• This type of diabetes tends to occur before the age of thirty.
• Although the discovery of insulin by Dr. Robert Banting in 1920 provided a way for diabetic patients to better manage their disease, there is still no “cure” for this type of diabetes.

Type 2

• Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes.
• Ninety percent of Canadian diabetics have type 2 diabetes.
• Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not properly use the small amount of insulin that it makes.
• In individuals with this type of diabetes, the body is unable to absorb the sugar from the food you eat, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Consequently, a number of different organs can become damaged including the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
• To manage Type 2 diabetes, it is essential to keep your blood glucose level within a set range by eating healthy, doing regular physical activity, and taking prescribed diabetes medication regularly. It is also recommended that individuals with Type 2 diabetes refrain from smoking, keep their cholesterol levels low, remain physically active, maintain a healthy weight, etc. (Canadian Diabetes Association).

Gestational:

• Occurs because of high glucose levels in 2-4% of pregnant women.
• Usually, after the pregnancy, blood levels return to normal but the woman faces a lifelong risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Facts

• Over two million Canadians have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (Canadian Diabetes Association).
• Two hundred and forty six million people worldwide are diagnosed with diabetes (Canadian Diabetes Association).
• With Canada’s ever-aging population, the number of diabetes cases is on the rise.
• Many Canadians have diabetes and don’t know it yet (Canadian Diabetes Association).

Causes

• Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin.
• After you eat a meal, insulin is produced by the pancreas to help break down the nutrients so that they can be absorbed into your body. It breaks down the sugar so that your body can use it for fuel.
• Without insulin, your body would not get the energy it needs.

Symptoms

• Abnormal thirst
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Extreme tiredness/lack of energy
• Sudden weight loss
• Recurrent infections
• Blurred vision
• Increased appetite
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal.

Risk Factors

• Age: the older you are, the greater the risk.
• Being overweight.
• A family history: having close family members with this disease puts you at risk.
• Prior history: if you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy or you gave birth to a baby that weighed over nine pounds, you’re at risk.
• Physical inactivity: people who are inactive are at risk.
• High blood pressure: up to 60% of diagnosed people have high blood pressure.

Diagnosis

To diagnose diabetes, four main tests are required:

• A urine analysis showing glucose and ketones
• Blood glucose level
• Glucose tolerance level
• Hemoglobin level

Treatment

Diabetes is managed rather than treated. Although there is no “cure” for diabetes, steps can be taken by the patient to ensure a long, healthy life.

• Education: all newly diagnosed people must take the time to learn about their disorder and how to manage it.
• Meal planning: blood sugar levels have to be regulated so organizing what you are going to eat, when you are going to eat it, etc., is vital to successful blood sugar management.
• Physical activity: regular physical activity keeps blood sugar low, promotes weight loss, and reduces stress.
• Healthy weight: maintaining a healthy weight is especially important in controlling diabetes, especially Type 2.
• Medication: Type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin to keep blood sugar in the normal range while Type 2 requires a healthy lifestyle and sometimes requires daily insulin.
• Lifestyle management: reducing stress levels is vital to keeping blood sugar levels down.
• Blood sugar monitoring: regular examination of blood sugar levels are required to keep levels down and take appropriate steps if levels get out of hand.
• Regular monitoring by doctors: a good relationship with health care professionals is vital to the management of diabetes.

Outlook

With a proper lifestyle and careful management of diabetes, diabetics can go on to live long, healthy lives.

Books:

Living with Juvenile Diabetes: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers by Victoria Peurring

The Facts About Diabetes by Claire Llewellyn

Getting a Grip on Diabetes: Quick Tips & Techniques for Kids and Teens by Spike Nasmyth Loy, Bo Nasmyth Loy, Janet Silverstein and Marc Weigensberg

The Family and Friends’ Guide to Diabetes : Everything You Need to Know by Eve Gehling

Link

The Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Juvenile Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association