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What is Diabetes?

​Type 1:

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Who is affected? Mostly diagnosed in children and young adults,

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What is Type 1? Type 1 occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin. Insulin is important because it's the key that lets the sugars (glucose) in the cells and produces energy. Type 1 diabetics cannot produce insulin. Therefore, sugar and starches (glucose) cannot be converted into the energy that is necessary to complete every day tasks.



Symptoms:

• Unexplainable weight Loss
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger and thirst
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Blurred Vision

Medicine:

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Because a person who has Type 1 diabetes is incapable of producing insulin, it is necessary to inject yourself daily with insulin. You must monitor your blood glucose levels and take the correct amount of insulin.
 

 

 

Type 2:

 

Who is affected? Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and affects millions of Americans every year. This is a common chronic disease for Hipanics.

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What is Type 2? Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produce a small amount of insuline. Insulin is important because it's the key that lets the sugars (glucose) in the cells and produces energy. Therefore, most sugar and starches (glucose) cannot be converted into the energy that is necessary to complete every day tasks.

Symptoms: 

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• Unexplainable weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger and thirst
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Headaches

Medicine:

Because your body does not have enough insulin, the glucose cannot be used to turn your food into energy, and the glucose stays in your blood. Type 2 is more focused around Glucose, so your doctor might suggest that you test your glucose level at home with a machine called a blood glucose meter. This meter works by taking a small blood sample. Glucose levels cannot be too high or too low. Make sure to discuss with your doctor what your target level should be.  



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Gestational Diabetes:

 

Who is affected? Gestational diabetes affects approximately 18% of pregnant women.

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What is Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes occurs when the placenta supporting the baby blocks the mother’s insulin intake. Because of the insulin resistance occurring, it becomes difficult for the mother to use insulin. Because the placenta is blocking the insulin being produced, the mother takes more insulin, causing an increase of glucose, giving the baby high glucose levels. In turn, the baby’s pancreas creates insulin to get rid of the excess blood glucose, but since there is more energy, the baby’s body stores it as fat. This could lead to complications during labor and even diabetes in the baby. While gestational diabetes may seem like less of a threat because it does not affect you or your baby post pregnancy, if not taken care of and well managed, it could definitely affect your baby’s health.

 

Symptoms:

• Unexplainable weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger and thirst
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Blurred Vision
• Headaches 
• Irritability
• Frequent infections, including bladder, vaginal, and skin.
• Vomiting and Nausea 

Medicine:

Treatment for Gestational Diabetes involved creating specific meal plans and being physically active. You may also be recommended to test your blood glucose level daily and administering self-injections of insulin. 



Nutrition:​

It is important to understand that having good nutrition affects your blood glucose level in a positive way. Solid meal plans should become an integral part of your day. This means eating a well-balanced meal and eating the correct portions. The following goods will help you to maintain a steady diet to stay in control of your diabetes. 



• Beans: Kidney, Pinto, Navy, or Black. 
• Dark Green Vegetables: Spinach, Collards and Kale
• Citrus Fruit: Grapefruit, Oranges, Lemons, and Limes.
• Sweet Potatoes
• Berries: Blueberries, Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Salmon
• Whole Grains
• Nuts
• Fat Free Milk

These suggestions aren't to say that you can't have some good desserts every now and then. It is important to be in control by including a special treat in your meal plan, keeping sweets at a small portion level. Because desserts contain a heavy amount of carbohydrates, it is crucial to have a very small serving, splitting it with a friend or saving it for a special occasion. 
 

 

Exercise:



Exercising is critical to a person with diabetes. This doesn’t mean that you must over exert yourself, it means that you must stay active—even if it means taking a walk through the park. Eventually this will need to become an important aspect of your daily life to help maintain glucose levels.

 

Doctors suggest an hour of physical activity 2 or 3 times a week, or 45 minutes of physical activity daily. Exercising doesn't have to be boring or extremely strenuous, so find something that you will enjoy doing. Options include:



• Swimming
• Biking
• Running
• Zumba classes
• Hiking
• Walking