You probably have heard of the Four Types of Diabetes. However, you may not be aware of Pre-Diabetes or Gestational Diabetes, two of the newest forms of diabetes. Here’s an overview of each of these conditions. In addition to knowing the four main types, you’ll also learn how to prevent them. The key is to keep yourself as informed as possible about each. Using this information will help you make the right lifestyle choices to avoid diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Pregnancy and type 1 diabetes are closely related, and you will want to work with your healthcare team to make sure you get the best treatment for both conditions. Your doctor will probably want to see you more often than normal, and you’ll need to change your insulin and medication to meet your needs. Alcohol also has an impact on your blood sugar levels, so be sure to limit your intake to avoid a higher risk of pregnancy complications. If you have diabetes, you should talk to your healthcare provider about your alcohol consumption. While drinking alcohol can be harmful, it can also help you control your diabetes.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe three or four shots of insulin per day. Some insulins are long-acting, while others are quick-acting and work immediately. Depending on the insulin type you receive, you may need a different dosage every time you eat. In general, long-acting insulin is best to take daily, but you can also use rapid-acting insulin, which is injected 15 minutes before a meal. A blood glucose meter allows you to test your blood sugar levels at home. To test your blood glucose levels, you simply prick your finger and place a small amount of blood on a strip. A blood glucose meter will tell you how much sugar is in your blood and display it on a screen.
When your blood sugar level is high, your body can’t use glucose for energy. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that opens cells to absorb glucose and use it for energy. However, if you’re suffering from Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make insulin, which causes your body to break down stored glycogen into glucose. If your blood sugar levels are too high, you may experience numbness or tingling in your fingers or feet. Your breath may smell fruity and you may be prone to nausea.
Type 2 Diabetes
While there is no single treatment for Type 2 diabetes, certain changes in diet and lifestyle may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. These include eating foods that are low in fat and sodium and avoiding processed foods with added sugar. You can also reduce your sodium intake by using salt-free spices and oils. If you are unable to exercise, consider drinking more water. Non-starchy vegetables are low in carbohydrates and do not cause a spike in blood sugar.
While type 1 diabetes is more common in children and young adults, people over 40 are more likely to develop type 2. Taking steps to manage your weight and eating healthy foods can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You should also consider getting regular blood sugar tests to ensure you are not suffering from diabetes. Diabetes can sneak up on you and be difficult to detect unless it is treated properly. In many cases, it is not even possible to detect the disease until it has advanced to the point where it is causing major health problems.
While type 2 diabetes is not life-threatening, it can cause a host of complications and can lead to death. While it can be a life-long condition, some individuals can lose weight and become more active, reducing their insulin needs. While they will never be completely free from medications, they may experience some side effects, including excessive thirst and tiredness. Eventually, their condition may lead to amputation of their legs or feet.
People with type 2 diabetes have trouble using glucose as energy. Foods rich in carbohydrates break down into glucose, which rises in the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas, which helps open cells and give them energy. When the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, glucose levels rise and the body’s energy production is impaired. In turn, these people can develop dangerous complications. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often worsen with time.
Pre-Diabetes
If you are at risk for developing diabetes, you should have your blood sugar levels checked regularly. The American Diabetes Association recommends that adults start screening for diabetes at age 45, although it is best to begin earlier. Fasting plasma glucose tests measure your blood glucose levels after fasting for at least 8 hours, or two hours after eating a meal. Another test is called an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This measure of glucose metabolism in the blood can indicate whether you have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Approximately 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This type is characterized by insulin resistance, a condition in which the pancreas produces a greater amount of insulin initially, but in time decreases its production. Eventually, insufficient insulin leads to a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream. People with type 2 diabetes tend to be overweight and sedentary, and those with a family history of diabetes have higher rates of developing it.
Type 1 diabetes occurs in children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes is more common in younger people due to sedentary lifestyles and weight gain. Currently, there are about 37.3 million people in the United States with diabetes. Between five to 10 percent of these people have type 1 diabetes and 90 to 95 percent of those with type 2 diabetes. However, it is estimated that as many as 84.1 million people have prediabetes, but most are unaware of it. In this stage, the blood glucose levels are high but not high enough for diabetes to develop.
Although these studies suggest a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, they do not prove the benefits or harm of screening. Screening for diabetes is still recommended in all overweight, obese, and other people with risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes. However, there are still a few factors that should be addressed before screening. Among these factors, the American Diabetes Association recommends a universal screening program that screens for both Types 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
During pregnancy, women may develop gestational diabetes. The causes of gestational diabetes are unknown, but the presence of elevated blood sugar during pregnancy makes the condition more likely. Certain types of medications and an excess weight prior to pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Other risk factors include pre-existing diabetes, infection, and certain medications. In rare cases, diabetes can be hereditary. During pregnancy, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional to ensure you don’t have diabetes.
The goal of diabetes treatment in gestational diabetes is to prevent its progression to type 2. Dietary changes and exercise are important steps in preventing gestational disease. However, when diabetes does develop, lifestyle changes are needed. Insulin injections are one of the possible treatments. For most people, oral medications, and lifestyle changes can help prevent diabetes and manage it. If insulin is not enough, a prescription for a diabetes medication may be necessary.
Pregnant women with gestational diabetes will often be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after two consecutive elevated blood sugar values. Other doctors may recommend diabetes treatment after a single elevated blood sugar. The ideal time for delivery is between 39 and 40 weeks. The doctor will also check your blood sugar levels after delivery. While gestational diabetes does not increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it will increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
In addition to pregnancy, gestational diabetes may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in the unborn child. It can also increase the risk of preeclampsia, a condition in which pregnant women have high blood pressure and too much protein in their urine. During pregnancy, it is important for women to visit their healthcare provider for a gestational diabetes screening. In fact, gestational diabetes screening is a common procedure for women.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a person with diabetes, you probably want to know more about the differences between the four types and what your treatment options are. First, let’s look at the differences between type 1 and type 2. Both types of diabetes involve problems with blood glucose. When a person has type 1 diabetes, their pancreas no longer produces insulin, so they need to inject insulin daily to regulate their blood sugar. People with type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, can treat the condition with medications and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes can include weight loss, eating healthy, and being more active.
While the cause of type 2 diabetes is still unknown, research shows that more than three-quarters of those with the disease have insulin resistance. The problem is caused by the pancreas’ beta cells failing to produce enough insulin. This is why people with diabetes fail to use insulin effectively. This condition is known as insulin resistance, and the body’s cells stop using insulin effectively. When this happens, the body tries to compensate by making more insulin.
