Understanding Diabetes: Types, Symptoms & Management

Diabetes is a disease where your body produces too little insulin, causing your blood-glucose levels to rise too high. Although difficult initially, many patients cope with diabetes by adapting a healthier lifestyle.

Type I

• There are two types of diabetes, Type I and Type II. Patients with Type I are unable to produce any insulin in their body.

Type II

• A patient with Type II diabetes has some ability to produce insulin, but not enough to meet the body's needs.

Symptoms

• Symptoms include unexpected weight loss, thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue and a loss of feeling in your feet. With proper treatment, these symptoms should subside.

General Treatments

• Treatments differ with every patient. It is recommended that all patients eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and routinely monitor their blood sugar, cholesterol and blood-pressure levels.

Specific Treatments

• Most diabetics are prescribed a daily aspirin to lower blood pressure. Type II patients must take daily injections of insulin since they have no insulin production.

Success

• Diabetes is a very manageable condition. Patients who follow their doctor's treatment plan and schedule routine check-ups tend to manage their diabetes successfully and live a normal lifestyle.