Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes are two different diseases that cause: High Blood Glucose
Type 1 diabetes is an “auto-immune” disease.
A person’s own immune system attacks the pancreas, destroying the cells that produce insulin.
The result is insulin deficiency. When there is not enough insulin, blood glucose (sugar) levels become high.
Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin shots + nutrition.
If it is not treated, blood glucose levels become very high. A condition called diabetic keto-acidosis can occur. This can result in coma. If it is not treated it will result in death.
The most recognizable symptoms of type 1 diabetes are increased thirst and urine output, increased hunger, and weight loss.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by “insulin resistance”.
It is the most common form of diabetes (about 90% of all diabetes cases)
It is most common in people who are both overweight and have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
The pancreas’ beta cells are still producing insulin, often LOTS of it. Fat and muscle cells are not using the insulin to move glucose (sugar) from the blood stream into the cells.
The result is high blood glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes can exist for a long time without a person knowing they have it. BUT, those high blood glucose levels are damaging blood vessels, increasing risk of heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease and peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves in lower legs and arms).
As blood glucose becomes very high, a person will notice increased tiredness, blurry vision, and increased thirst and urine output.
Type 2 diabetes is generally treated with healthy diet and exercise and medications that are taken by mouth.
In some cases insulin is required at time of diagnosis. After several years, most people with type 2 diabetics will require insulin.
If a person with type 2 diabetes increases exercise, improves diet, and loses some weight, the diabetes may go into “remission” and require very little or no medication.
Type 2 diabetes runs in families, but lifestyle is a big factor. The combination of having a parent or sibling with diabetes and being overweight increases your risk.
Diabetes education–go to an accredited diabetes education program. Synergy Health and Wellness or St Charles Hospital in Bend.
Nutrition Therapy–see a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN). A bonus is an RDN who is also a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE).
Lori Brizee Nutrition Solutions provides individualized Telehealth Diabetes Education and Nutrition Therapy (Lori Brizee is both and RDN and a CDE). Go to our consulting page to sign up for a consultation: https://loribrizee.com/consulting/
Diabetes Education and Nutrition Therapy have been proven to improve a persons ability to manage their diabetes.
