The Differences Between Diabetes 1 and 2

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how blood sugar is regulated in your body. It is of two types – Type I and Type II. People who suffer from Type I Diabetes do not produce insulin. People with Type II Diabetes don’t react to insulin and may even cease insulin production gradually. A person with either type can develop very high blood sugar levels, which can lead to other health complications related to diabetes. 

The symptoms for both these types are the same. Additionally, Type 1 Diabetes makes a person irritable and affect their moods. It can also make them shed weight suddenly. People with Type II Diabetes experience tingling or numbness in their hands and feet.

Type II Diabetes can exist without any visible symptoms for years. The symptoms may also develop slowly. It makes the detection of this type of diabetes quite difficult.

Type I Diabetes is not as difficult to detect as the symptoms develop as fast as within a couple of weeks. A person is usually diagnosed with this type of diabetes in their childhood or adolescence.

Type I Diabetes cannot be cured. You may, however, be able to lower your chances of suffering from Type II by making certain lifestyle changes.

Type II Diabetes risk factors

There are a number of risk factors associated with Type II Diabetes. Some may be genetic or hereditary in nature and therefore, unavoidable. Others are more preventable. Let’s look at some of the overbearing risk factors for Type II Diabetes below:

• Obesity – Body fat interferes with the body’s ability to use insulin. The heavier you are, the higher your risk of insulin resistance. Obesity is the number one risk factor for developing Type II Diabetes. An increased number of kids are being diagnosed with diabetes nowadays due to the rise in obesity among children.
• Age – Our pancreas is unable to pump insulin into our body as well as it could with age. The cells of our body too become resistant to insulin as we grow older.
• Eating junk food and leading a sedentary lifestyle – Eating junk food high in fat content and simple carbohydrates is a surefire way to develop Type II diabetes. It contributes to obesity as much as being inactive does. Exercising lowers blood sugar levels and resistance to insulin.
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol – Almost all of the risk factors aid each other. Unhealthy eating habits and an inactive lifestyle contributes to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. In turn, all of these increase your Type II diabetes risk.

Caring for someone with Diabetes

People with Diabetes can take care of themselves on their own. But the occasional reminder and prompts to help them keep to their daily routine doesn’t hurt. There are certain ways that a family member or caregiver can help care for a person with Diabetes. These are -

• Monitor their blood sugar levels. Note down any fluctuations and ask the doctor about these.
• Ensure that the person takes their medicines on time.
• Encourage him/her to exercise.
• Blood sugar can be negatively impacted by stress. Arrange for the diabetic patient to participate in relaxing activities such as meditation, walking, painting and so on.
• Since people with Diabetes are more prone to oral health issues, the caregiver should ascertain that the person brushes their mouth with a soft toothbrush after every meal and flosses at least once a day.
• They also have problems with ingrown toenails, risking infection. Caregivers should periodically check their toenails for any signs of infection.

Nutrition drinks designed for managing glucose levels

Having a healthy nutritious meal is crucial to maintaining blood glucose levels for diabetics. However, a wholesome meal may not always be accessible. There are nutrition drinks in the market that have been designed especially keeping these glucose management needs of diabetics in mind. However, even the best of these cannot replace entire meals and can only stand in for a snack. It is important for a person to supplement these drinks with real food. Here are some available options:

• Glucerna Shake – Glucerna is gluten-free and formulated especially for weight-watchers and diabetics. The calorie content of the shake makes up a moderate size of a meal or a snack. It is available in a variety of flavors, from chocolate to strawberry.
• Boost Glucose Control – Boost Glucose Control is by far the best nutrition drink which has been designed for diabetics to help manage their blood glucose level.
• Resource Diabetishield – It is a wholesome nutritional drink with a mix of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. It helps diabetics manage their weight, improve insulin sensitivity and control their blood sugar. The drink is available in a delicious mixed-berry flavor.
• Diabetisource AC – Diabetisource AC is a nutritional drink for those with diabetes. It includes real fruits and vegetables in pureed form. It has been clinically verified for results in maintaining blood sugar levels effectively in the absence of proper meals.

Diabetes is a disease that can affect anyone. While it can't technically be cured, by making the necessary lifestyle changes and living a disciplined life, one can keep it at bay.

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