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Understanding And Managing Different Types Of Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels due to inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance. This can lead to long-term health problems if not properly managed.
There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational. Proper management involves monitoring blood sugar levels, healthy eating, exercise, taking medication, and monitoring for complications. With good management, people with diabetes can live healthy lives.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effectively managing diabetes and reducing the risk of complications.
Causes of Each Type of Diabetes
Each form of diabetes affects the body in unique ways and is linked to specific risk factors. Despite their differences, they share the common characteristic of difficulty in regulating blood sugar levels.
Type 1 Diabetes:
- It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot properly metabolize glucose, leading to high levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia).
Type 2 Diabetes:
- Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, and it is typically diagnosed in adulthood. It is the most common form of diabetes and can often be managed through lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, healthy eating, and physical activity.
Gestational Diabetes:
- It occurs when the hormonal changes of pregnancy cause insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes is typically diagnosed during routine prenatal care and is most commonly seen in women who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes or are over the age of 25.
Understanding And Managing Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes – the body is unable to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. If left untreated, type 1 diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision loss.
Type 2 Diabetes – Unlike type 1 diabetes, the body still produces insulin, but it becomes resistant to its effects, leading to insulin resistance. Over time, the pancreas may also lose its ability to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
Gestational Diabetes – a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and typically goes away after childbirth. If left untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to health complications for both the mother and the baby and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
The following are the key steps in managing diabetes:
- Monitoring blood sugar levels: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can help determine the effectiveness of lifestyle changes and medications and make adjustments as needed.
- Eating a healthy diet: A balanced diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and support overall health.
- Taking medications: oral medications or insulin injections may be needed to regulate blood sugar levels, these equipment will all be available at Queen Peoples Pharmacy at your convenience. The type and dose of medication will depend on each person’s needs and should be determined in collaboration with a healthcare provider or one of our pharmacists.
- Losing weight: For overweight or obese individuals, losing weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Staying physically active: Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote overall health.
- Managing stress: Stress can affect blood sugar levels, so it’s important to find healthy ways to manage stress.
- Monitoring for complications: you can have regular check-ups at Queen Peoples Pharmacy in Calgary and monitoring for early signs of complications can help prevent or manage these issues.
- Staying informed: Our pharmacists at Queen Peoples Pharmacy will provide you with advice and other information on your type of diabetes to ensure you understand your condition to prevent it from getting worse.
