What Patients Need to Know about Diabetes & Diabetes Management

Why this resource is helpful:

"What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that happens when the blood sugar, or glucose, is too high in the blood. The disease has two main categories: Type 1 and Type 2, with gestational diabetes being a third, less significant category.

Type 1 Diabetes

This means the body makes less insulin than what it needs. Insulin is what helps a body pull glucose from food and convert it to energy. When the glucose cannot be pulled from food, it enters the bloodstream directly, making the glucose levels too high. People with this type of diabetes will self-inject insulin on a daily basis.

Type 2 Diabetes

This type of diabetes finds the body not using or creating insulin. It is the most common form and sufferers must take supplements or inject insulin directly.

Gestational Diabetes

This form occurs in pregnant women. The risk of Type 2 raises with gestational diabetes for the rest of the mother"s life. The child is at risk of being overweight and also having diabetes.

Problems Caused by Diabetes
Diabetes is very serious, and can lead to other issues, such as:
Eye problems
Heart stroke or disease
Kidney issues
Nerve damage
Gum disease or tooth loss
Managing Diabetes

Diabetes patients who take care of themselves manage the disease better than those who don"t. Working with a health care professional and following a basic self-care plan helps diabetes patients live longer and suffer from fewer side effects.

Diabetes Meal Plan

Many diabetics have a meal plan. The plan includes healthy choices, such as lean meats, fish, chicken, fruits, vegetables, beans, low-fat milk and cheese. Fat, salt and sugar are reduced in the diet, because these items will raise glucose."

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