Diabetes is a lifelong severe and chronic metabolic disease indicated by increased blood sugar levels and is one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines.
If you or a family member has diabetes, follow the proper diabetes treatment prescribed by your doctors. Careful diabetes care can considerably reduce the risk of serious complications.
Managing your diabetes is challenging and, when overlooked, can lead to severe or life-threatening complications. To better manage your diabetes, it is necessary to become familiar with the different types of diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. A person with type 2 diabetes has developed a resistance to insulin because of the overproduction of insulin caused by the pancreas. Because of this, glucose begins to collect in your bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes develops over time. People who have excess weight or are not physically active are susceptible to type 2 diabetes.
Managing type 2 diabetes can be done by changing your lifestyle. Doctors recommend eating healthier, exercising, and losing excess weight. Insulin may also be needed as well as medications to manage related conditions.
Type 1 Diabetes This type of diabetes progresses more rapidly than type 2 diabetes. A person with Type 1 diabetes’ immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the pancreas. When enough cells are destroyed, the body will no longer produce insulin resulting in the build-up of glucose in the bloodstream. Genetics plays a substantial role in the development of type 1 diabetes. It is also commonly diagnosed in children and young adults.
It is essential for people with type 1 diabetes to monitor their glucose levels and take their insulin on time to control their blood sugar levels. It is also vital to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Gestational Diabetes A type of diabetes common in pregnant women, which causes glucose levels to rise during pregnancy. Some risk factors include having excess weight, a family history of diabetes, prediabetes, or having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
If left untreated gestational diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Pregnant women with Gestational diabetes can manage it by keeping their blood sugar levels low through proper diet and exercise. In some cases, they may need to take insulin.
Prediabetes This occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Having prediabetes means that your body is becoming resistant to insulin. Genetics and lifestyle are factors contributing to the development of prediabetes. If left untreated, this type of diabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes.
This type of diabetes can be treated with lifestyle changes. Help regulate your blood sugar levels by eating healthier, exercising, and taking medications prescribed by your doctors.
