Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to adequately regulate blood sugar levels. For type I diabetics, this means that the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin to manage blood glucose levels, while for type II diabetics this means that the cells have become resistant to the effects of insulin the body’s pancreas produces. Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed in a way that allows patients to live full and healthy lives.

Diabetes type I, also known as juvenile diabetes, is typically diagnosed in childhood. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to have a child with the condition, so it can be genetic. Diabetes type II is by far the most prevalent type. Adults with certain risk factors, like being overweight and with limited activity levels, are more likely to received a type II diabetes diagnosis. The most significant distinction between type I and type II diabetes is that the latter can typically be avoided through healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. Both type I and type II diabetes can cause serious health problems, such as damage to the nerves, kidneys, heart, eyes, gums, and persistent foot infections that can become so severe that amputation is necessary.