Diabetes - What Type Are You? - Health Prevention

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HOME ARTICLES HEALTH NEWS LINKS RESOURCES ABOUT GUEST AUTHORS HEALTHZINE CONTACT US	Diabetes - What Type Are You? by Susan Eskdale Diabetes, everyone likely knows someone with diabetes. You might have heard someone mention type 1 or type 2 diabetes and wondered what he or she was talking about. This article introduces diabetes. Further articles will address risk factors and other issues of importance.

Discount Diabetic Supplies- Diabetic Drug Store - Diabetic Drug Store provides discount diabetic testing supplies & aids for daily diabetic living. Also, a large assortment of diabetes foot care products, juvenile diabetes products. Supplies in stock and ready for your shipment today.	Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can lead to death, if not diagnosed and managed correctly. Diabetics suffer from an inability to control blood sugar levels through normal body functions. The pancreas produces Insulin, which is used in controlling sugar levels in the blood stream. A person can be diabetic as a result of producing insufficient amounts of Insulin or being unable to effectively utilise the insulin being produced. Insulin is a hormone that has many functions within the body; one of the biggest responsibilities is the transformation of starches, protein and fats into energy that the body can use. An essential part of the proper functioning of the body, Insulin can have negative health impacts if there is a deficient level or if the body is not using the hormone properly.

Three Types of Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes: A relatively small portion of diabetics fall in the Diabetes 1 grouping, an estimated 10% of Americans have this form of diabetes. Usually onset is in children and adolescents, it is a form of autoimmune disorder wherein the body produces agents to ‘attack’ what it believes to be a threat, the problem is that the body is attacking itself. When the beta-cells are attacked no insulin can be produced, which means that the body must try to get all its energy from fats and results in ketoacidosis, a life threatening disease. Before the discovery of a way to counteract this condition patients would not live long beyond diagnosis. When Dr. Fredrick Banting, a Canadian scientist, discovered Insulin circa 1923, a reprieve was granted for those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Insulin is still an important part of the lives of diabetics today and has been credited with extending the lives of many diabetics and preventing blindness and other complications of the disease. Type 2 diabetes: The majority of individuals suffering from diabetes fall into this classification. This form of diabetes usually occurs in later life, although with sedentary lifestyles of today’s adolescents, it is becoming more frequently seen in younger people. If diagnosed early, diet and exercise can help to prevent rapid changes in the blood sugar level. This will not always be a solution; in fact, a majority of individuals will need to take insulin by pill or needle to augment the body’s hormone level. Some diabetics will need to test their blood to determine how much insulin needs to be taken orally or by injection. New technology of insulin pumps may be a big relief to both types of diabetics. Gestational Diabetes: Occurs in about 5% of women during pregnancy, in the later stages of the gestational period. High blood sugar levels can lead to large babies thereby increasing possibility of dangerous delivery for mother and child. After the baby is born the gestational diabetes does go away, but individuals who have had this condition are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes in later years.
Treating diabetes: Insulin administered by needle was the most common method of treatment for diabetics, but is rapidly becoming second choice behind an insulin pump. The insulin pump is a smart device that administers insulin to the body when the body needs it. Animas Corporation has just launched their site, as a leading manufacturer of this technology, they can offer information on the many benefits of using this type of insulin therapy. Animas Corporation also has equipped its site with interactive models that allow individuals to see how tools can be used to fight diabetes. The site promises to provide information on diabetes management, living with diabetes and related concerns. The Animas Corporation (www.animascorp.com) website is populated with information for people just like you:  Learning Center: Site visitors will find tips on using pump therapy and can test their knowledge of the treatment  Jump to the Pump booklet: A must-read for anyone considering insulin pump therapy, includes information on benefits, things to consider and basics of pump therapy  Parents Guide: Articles and tips for parents of diabetic children

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