Diabetes is a disease where the body no longer produces or properly uses insulin. There are many causes of diabetes like genetics and obesity, but why we get diabetes remains a mystery. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's immune system destroys the insulin creating cells in the pancreas. This process quickly leads to a complete lack of insulin in the body, therefore forcing a dependency on insulin injections. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases in the United States are type 1 diabetes. Onset generally occurs in children and young adults, but can occur in adults. This is called late onset type 1 diabetes. Most who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are otherwise healthy.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body can no longer absorb and process insulin properly. It also can occur when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Those who are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes are generally:
* Overweight
* Have family history of diabetes
* Had gestational diabetes
If you are like me, and fit one or more of the high risk factors, do not worry. There are ways you can prevent onset! The key to good health is exercise and healthy diet. I am always aware of the symptoms of diabetes so I can figure out what I am doing wrong or go to the doctor.
You can prevent diabetes much the same way it is treated. Eat right and exercise. Always be aware of the three warning signs of diabetes; excess thirst, excess hunger, excess urination. If you are having these symptoms, you should visit your doctor.
Want to know more? Come to check out more articles at Plan 4 Diabetics and learn more about diabetes and its treatments.
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