Got questions about diabetes? First, find a doctor, preferably an internal-medicine doctor, to help you deal with diabetes. Never try to deal with it on your own. Most physicians are very good about helping you learn about your disease. Many medical offices and hospitals have a diabetes education specialist who will educate you about signs of diabetes.
The more you know the better, and this story will help fill in some of the gaps that might have been left out by your doctor.
Types and Symptoms
Diabetes comes in several types and it's helpful for you to know about all of them, although your doctor might have dealt only with the type you have.
Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes generally only occurs in young people. With Type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce insulin, and patients must take insulin for the rest of their life. Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually strikes older people although more and more cases are being seen in younger people as a result of poor eating habits and an unhealthy life style. In Type 2 diabetes, the sufferer is insulin resistant, meaning that the body is producing insulin, but the cells are not using it. There may also be an insufficient amount of insulin bing produced. Gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs with non-diabetic pregnant women. For some reason, the blood glucose level gets too high. Often, pregnant women will also develop type 2 diabetes some time after their baby is born. One of the side effects of gestational diabetes is very large babies. Doctors screen for gestational diabetes in pregnant patients so it can be treated as early as possible.Dietary Requirements
Doctors are sometimes vague about what kinds of changes must occur in the diet for a diabetic patient. A diabetes educator can help you here, and hospital dietitians offer courses and consultation on diet. Tons of publications are on the market to help you understand diabetes and what you need to do. Millions of people live comfortably with their diabetes under control. It is within your reach.