It is important to know and understand which type of diabetes you have.  Knowing about your type will help you to learn best treatment options and associated risks. I will break down the two most common types: 1 and 2

Type 1 usually affects children and young adults. It makes up only about 5% of all diabetes cases. In my previous job, I was a diabetes educator at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and so my patients and all families of kids with Type 1 hold a special place in my heart. Type 1 is often referred to as insulin dependent diabetes because from day 1 of diagnosis daily insulin injections as required.  For people with Type 1 diabetes, their bodies will eventually stop making insulin all together (I will go into more detail on this in a later blog.) There are no other medication options available for Type 1 diabetes at this time. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease which means that the body has attacked itself.  In this case, the body has attacked the cells in the pancreas that make and release insulin- which are called Beta cells. You need to know that there is nothing you could have done to prevent having this type of diabetes.

Type 2 is becoming more prevalent due to the increase in obesity nationwide. It accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes. However, not all people with Type 2 are overweight. It can be treated with a variety of methods: diet/exercise, pills, newer injected medications, and also insulin. The body still makes its own insulin however it is not used as effectively. Proper screening and preventive measures such as exercise and maintaining ideal body weight can help to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Once diagnosed those same activities may help to decrease, or possibly even stop, the amount of medications needed. This does not mean that your diabetes has gone away, but if you keep up the awesome job you did to lose the weight you might be able to stay off of the medications for some time! For those of you who are newly diagnosed, know that even just a 10% decrease in your current weight can make a HUGE impact on lowering your blood sugar numbers. So any small change you can make starting today will help. I will continually post “just for today” challenges which will give you some simple ideas to support you in this journey. 

Once you know your type, your Dr. can help you to determine the best medications to treat your diabetes. Stick with me as I teach you all you need to know to live the healthiest life you can. Remember, your diabetes does not control you!

Your “just for today” challenge is to take a 10 min walk outside and if you enjoy the challenge enough, make it part of your new daily routine!!