Managing Diabetes: Understanding Types 1 and 2 and Ways to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Managing Diabetes: Understanding Types 1 and 2 and Ways to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

6/9/21 1:41 PM

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar, or glucose. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and it occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it. People with type 2 diabetes may be able to manage their condition with lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and following a healthy diet, or they may need to take medication or insulin to control their blood sugar levels.

Both types of diabetes can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including heart disease, nerve damage, blindness, and kidney disease. Regular blood sugar monitoring and managing blood sugar levels through a combination of medication, diet, and exercise can help people with diabetes avoid these complications.

If you have diabetes, it's important to work with a healthcare team, including a doctor, dietitian, and diabetes educator, to develop a treatment plan that works for you. They can help you learn how to manage your blood sugar levels, prevent complications, and live a healthy, active life.