Diabetes has become an increasingly problematic diagnosis that many Americans are being faced with. In fact, over 34 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes. That is the equivalent of 1 in 10 people. Diabetes should be treated regularly and consistently by a qualified healthcare physician. With Diabetes National Awareness Month taking place in November, we thought it would be beneficial to shed light on the types of diabetes and how they affect a person. Diabetes should be taken seriously, as ignoring proper treatment could lead to serious complications.
What Is The Difference Between Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes
Otherwise known as insulin-dependent diabetes, this condition causes the body, specifically the pancreas, to stop producing insulin. Most people with type one diabetes are diagnosed in childhood; however, it can develop at any age. At this time, there is no way to prevent or cure type one diabetes at this time but it can be managed effectively with the right treatment. Since our bodies need insulin to survive, patients with type one diabetes must take daily injections or use an insulin pump. It is important for a person who is diagnosed with type one diabetes to work closely with a physician when taking insulin. There is a multitude of situations that could occur that would require a change in dosage and timing of insulin. Without the proper treatment of insulin, patients could face very serious health complications such as death.
Type 2 Diabetes
Otherwise known as insulin-resistance diabetes, this condition is typically diagnosed in adulthood and is caused because the cells in the body cannot utilize the insulin in your body for energy. This is due to the pancreas not producing enough insulin for the body and the cells being resistant to the insulin that is produced, also known as insulin resistance. Approximately 90% of patients with diabetes have type two diabetes. The risk factors for developing type two diabetes include obesity, age, family history, race, and activity level. It is possible to control your type two diabetes with diet and exercise. Studies suggest that trying to lower unhealthy carbohydrates and being active for at least 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference in stabilizing your blood sugar and reversing diabetes type two. Maintaining good health can help prevent and treat diabetes.
Find Treatment in Chicago
Consult with a medical doctor if you begin experiencing symptoms such as increased thirst, blurry vision, tingling and/or numbing in your body, or anything else that feels out of your normal. Testing for diabetes can be started by a simple blood test. If diabetes is detected, treatment will need to be started right away. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the diagnosis. Nutrition counseling, lifestyle changes, blood sugar monitoring, and medication are the most common forms of treatment. If either type of diabetes is left untreated long enough, there could be fatal consequences. Please consult your doctor for regimented treatment if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.
If you are looking for a diabetes specialist in Chicago, join Dedication Health. Dedication Health is a concierge medical practice in Chicago’s North Shore. The concierge physicians at Dedication Health are board-certified in internal medicine and specialist care including Endocrinology.
By establishing a membership with a concierge medical practice, like Dedication Health, you get inclusive treatment that goes beyond traditional medicine. If you are to get started with a concierge medical practice in Chicago, contact us today! You can reach our office at 847-986-6770. You may also complete our online contact form and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Dedication Health has two conveniently located medical offices at 710 Oak St, Winnetka, IL 60093 and 1625 Sheridan Rd Suite A, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Learn more about concierge medicine from the links listed below.
Concierge Medicine: Benefits of On-Demand Healthcare