Diabetes - Different Diagnosis, Same Problems

Syringe 5 with drops. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Type I diabetes is a chronic condition where a necessary hormone (insulin) is not produced, or is not produced in adequate amounts, to allow the body to convert sugars to energy at the cellular level.  As a result, a person with Type I diabetes needs to take insulin to prevent sugar from building up in the bloodstream.  There is no known cure for Type I Diabetes although it can be managed. Complications from this disease develop over the years, so the closer the blood sugar can be kept to normal, the fewer complications may develop.

Type II Diabetes is more common than type I. This is when the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce sufficient quantities so that once again, the body lacks the required insulin to carry sugar to the cells for conversion to energy. Family history and lifestyle play a large role in the development of Type II Diabetes.

The third type of Diabetes is Type 1.5. It is sometimes referred to as slow onset Type I or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). If this type of diabetes is well managed, the organ damage that is so common in type II diabetes may be avoided.

In any form of diabetes, the key is to monitor and manage blood glucose levels to prevent the problems that can occur to skin, heart, kidneys and feet. There are several important components to managing any type of diabetes. They include:

    •    Diet

    •    Exercise

    •    Oral medications

    •    Insulin injections

    •    Regular health checkups

    •    Good preventive care

A diabetic patient’s feet are more susceptible to wounds and infections. Preventive care is especially important to you. If you have diabetes, but you aren’t seeing a podiatrist regularly, then you are not getting the best care. Dr. Boucher and her staff are available to help you battle the effects of diabetes on your feet. They have a preventive treatment program and up to date technology to help with diabetic Neuropathy. Call for an appointment at (203) 238-3668. Delaying could lead to serious complications.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-2-diabetes/DS00585
http://www.diabetesnet.com/about-diabetes/types-diabetes/type-15

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