Understanding Diabetes

There are two different forms of Diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2. Diabetes can be a very complex health condition. First, let's go over an important aspect to help better understand this complex disease. Insulin is a hormone that we all produce that helps our body keep our blood glucose levels in a normal range. Insulin is made in the pancreas then released into the bloodstream to help provide us with energy daily.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. With someone who has Type 1 Diabetes, their immune system is attacking their own body. In Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. This is because the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are what is being attacked.

Type 2 Diabetes is NOT an autoimmune disease. When someone is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, it is because their body has become insulin resistant and the pancreas stops producing as much insulin as it used to.

There are many differences between both types of diabetes. The biggest one being that Type 1 has no cure, but Type 2 can be controlled and prevented as long as you are following the proper steps like eating healthy, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight. While Type 1 is completely out of your control, there are devices such as insulin pumps and daily injections that can help manage the disease.

If you have caught yourself living with some unhealthy lifestyle choices, it is important to start turning that around now. As we age, our chance of becoming a Type 2 diabetic increases significantly if a healthy lifestyle—in all aspects—is not being met.