Understanding the Different Types of Diabetes

Understanding the Different Types of Diabetes

Many Americans die from it every day, but people still scratch their heads when asked about it. What exactly is diabetes, how serious is it, what are its effects and symptoms, but most importantly how do we control it. Diabetes if the fourth leading cause of death by disease in the United States. Diabetes mellitus prevents the body's cells from using food properly. Humans are equipped with the ability to change what they eat into sugar. The more common name for that sugar is glucose. Glucose gives us energy and growth. Instead of using this essential sugar, a person with diabetes passes it out of the body in their urine. The words, diabetes mellitus, have roots from other languages. The word diabetes comes from the Greek word meaning "to cross over or pass through." Mellitus comes from the Latin word meaning "honey".

There are two kinds of diabetes mellitus: Type Type II and I. Type I diabetes is also called insulin - dependent diabetes. It usually occurs in children or young adults. Type I is the form of diabetes caused by the insufficient production of insulin. In the past, this malformation was known as juvenile diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes. Most people with Type I aren't diagnosed when they are children or young adults. Diabetes can occur at any and all ages, so, the term juvenile diabetes isn't really correct.

Type II diabetes occurs for more frequently than Type I. It generally affects people who are 40 and older. Another name is adult-onset diabetes. Unlike Type I patients, most people with Type II don't have to take insulin injections daily to control the disease. However, a majority of Type 2 diabetics do have to take medication such as Glucopha...

... middle of paper ...

... mayonnaise, hydrated shortening, and it is important to reduce cheese intake.

The foods previously listed are just are few of the things to eat and avoid. Each person is different and should use things like the Exchange List provided by the American Diabetes Association to plan their individual diet. The Exchange List groups foods into categories with approximately equal nutrition for each food listed in a group. This system allows a wide variety of meals so you don't get bored with your diet, and feel the need to stray from it. The diet you choose as a diabetic should be one you feel comfortable in and one you can eat for the rest of your life. Diabetes doesn't have a cure yet, but it is up to the diabetic to maintain control.

In the following booklet I have listed a few ideas for recipes that diabetes can not only enjoy, but also add to their regular diet.