How familiar are you with the development of diabetes? You already know about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. But do you know the main differences between them? The main similarity is they are both characterized by an insulin dysfunction. The differences begin with the cause, and for Type 1 diabetes the exact cause is unknown – the most we know about it is the immune system response eliminates the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. For those with this condition, there is nothing that could have been done to prevent it. You must adapt, and live well despite having the disease.
Type 2 diabetes is a whole different story. It comes with warning signs. Its development can be forced to halt. If you have received a diagnosis, you must shift your focus to treatment: in some ways, the treatment is similar to its development.
How does Type 2 diabetes develop? Your pancreas manufactures insulin in adequate amounts, and then insulin drives the sugar into your cells. In the prediabetes stage, your cells close their doors to sugar and the sugar continues to roam free through your bloodstream. Your cells are now not receiving sugar, and your pancreas has been forced to make more insulin to help get the sugar inside the cell. More and more insulin is required by the body to handle its blood sugar efficiently. As well as your blood sugar rising your insulin level keeps growing in an attempt to force sugar out of the bloodstream into the cells. Fasting blood sugar would be chronically high at around 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher.
Excessive sugar and the rise in insulin are what make a person overweight. And, unfortunately, a lot of the excess sugar is converted and stored away as cholesterol and triglycerides. Sometimes, external factors like genetic predisposition are involved.
The above is the process of its development. Whether you realize it or not, you played a part in the creation of the disease. On a positive note, you can play an even more critical role in its undoing. Take an active part in the process of treating your diabetes: and vow to take care of your pancreas. The more sensitive your cells are to insulin the more healthy your body will be. And when your cells respond to insulin, your pancreas will have an easier job.
What is more important than eating well, exercising, and monitoring your progress, is realizing how it all comes together to create a process. It is all a series of efforts with combined effects. Choose to exercise and eat healthily, and your pancreas will thank you. And guess what, no drugs are involved.
Treating Type 2 diabetes can be simple. Commit yourself to the process and all of its parts. Have patience and the courage to be consistent with your execution. You can improve your health to the point your blood sugar condition is no longer a serious concern, and in a fraction of the time, it took Type 2 diabetes to develop.
But you must play the part.