Overview
Types Of Diabetes
There are two types of Diabetes, and they really are two quite different diseases. In type 1, or insulin-dependent Diabetes, insulin injections are needed. But in type 2, or non-insulin-dependent Diabetes, most people can keep their condition under control with just diet and medication. This type of Diabetes is actually much more common than the insulin-dependent type.
How do I find out which type of Diabetes I have?
Your doctor will tell you what type of Diabetes you have and what you need to do. You can also ask your doctor to refer you to a Diabetes Education program. There, trained health professionals can teach you about Diabetes and insulin.
What Is Insulin?
Key Information
Insulin is classified according to how long it works in the body. There are five different types of insulin, ranging from short to long acting. Some insulins are clear in appearance, while others are cloudy.
Types of insulin The five types of insulin include:
- Rapid onset-fast acting insulin
- Short acting insulin
- Intermediate acting insulin
- Mixed insulin
- Long acting insulin.
Diabetes And Healthy Eating
Healthy eating, combined with regular physical activity and weight control, is important to manage Diabetes.
What You Need to Know
People with Diabetes should eat mainly high fibre carbohydrate foods such as wholegrain breads and cereals and vegetables and fruit. They should also reduce their intake of fat, especially saturated fat. Limiting the serving size of your meals is often required to maintain a healthy body weight. Its also a good idea to see a dietitian who can help develop a healthy eating plan.
Healthy eating helps a person with Diabetes to:
- Maintain general good health
- Control blood glucose levels
- Achieve normal blood lipid (fat) levels
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Prevent the complications of Diabetes.
No Special Diets Required
Healthy eating for people with Diabetes is no different than for everyone else. People with Diabetes do not need to prepare separate meals or buy special foods, so relax and enjoy healthy eating with the rest of your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how is it managed?
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly. Management involves a combination of medication, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring. Type 1 requires insulin therapy, while Type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes plus oral medications or insulin.
❓ Can lifestyle changes reverse Type 2 diabetes?
For many people, significant weight loss, a low-carbohydrate diet, and regular exercise can put Type 2 diabetes into remission - meaning blood sugar returns to normal without medication. This is not a cure, but sustained lifestyle change can dramatically improve outcomes and delay complications.
❓ What foods should people with diabetes limit?
People with diabetes benefit from limiting refined sugars, white bread, sugary drinks, processed foods, and high-glycaemic-index carbohydrates. Focus instead on non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Portion control and consistent meal timing are equally important.
❓ How often should blood sugar be checked?
Frequency depends on type and treatment. Those on insulin may check 4-10 times daily. Those managing with diet or oral medication might check once or twice daily, or less. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) provides real-time data without finger-prick testing. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
❓ When should someone see a doctor about diabetes?
See a doctor if you experience unexplained thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, or persistent fatigue. Those already diagnosed should have check-ups every 3-6 months for HbA1c, blood pressure, kidney function, eye exams, and foot checks.