Overview
How do you get Diabetes?
There are two main types of Diabetes mellitus. These are known as type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 Diabetes mellitus used to be called insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus, or juvenile-onset Diabetes mellitus, because it usually begins in childhood or adolescence.
Key Information
In type 1 Diabetes mellitus, the pancreas releases no insulin at all because the body has destroyed the cells that produce it (islet cells). The patient therefore relies on treatment with insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is the most common form of Diabetes. It used to be called non-insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus, or adult onset Diabetes because it usually begins in adulthood.
In type 2 Diabetes, patients can still produce insulin, but they do not produce enough and/or their bodies cannot use it properly.
What You Need to Know
Treating high blood pressure and controlling the levels of fats (lipids) in the blood are also very important in patients with Diabetes as they are at greater risk than the normal population of developing serious cardiovascular diseases.
A group of medicines known as ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors are sometimes used to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular complications in Diabetes and can also reduce the risk or progression of kidney and eye diseases.
What causes Diabetes?
While scientists arent exactly sure why Type 1 Diabetes happens, they do know the immune system is involved. A healthy immune system protects us from diseases caused by infections, such as colds or the flu, as well as diseases that start in our own cells, such as cancer. For some reason, in certain people, the immune system becomes confused and begins attacking and destroying the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.4 Scientists arent exactly sure why Type 2 Diabetes happens either; however, they have identified that it occurs most often in certain individuals. About 80 percent of people with type 2 Diabetes are overweight, have high blood pressure, and have high cholesterol levels in their blood
Could the diabetic formula lower my blood sugar level too much? In general, too low blood sugar levels should not be a problem. A high quality diabetic formula containing synergistic vitamins, minerals, and herbs, most often lowers blood sugars to normal levels. However, these vitamins, minerals, and herbs will not excessively lower blood sugar levels that are already normal.
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.