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Do You Understand Diabetes?

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on November 5, 2013

So, somebody just asked me if they can get diabetes from eating all of that leftover Halloween candy. Here’s the good news: the answer is no!

Further probing showed that he didn’t know the difference between type 1 & type 2 diabetes. Since November is Diabetes Month, it’s a good time to clarify those myths.

You can’t get diabetes from eating too much Halloween candy, but obesity plays a big role in increasing the risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed in adults, but there is a significant increase in younger people (including children) due to sedentary lifestyles and large increases in the overweight population.  People with type 2 can still make insulin. They also have  what is called “insulin resistance”. You can make insulin, but your cells don’t want to use it. Since you need insulin to bring glucose into your cells, diabetics often have high blood sugar. Once you have type 2 diabetes, living a healthy lifestyle is important to decrease risks of complications. Certain types of medication may be necessary. There are an estimated 7 million people in the United States who are not diagnosed, so be sure to familiarize yourself with some of the common symptoms: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/10-signs-type-diabetes/story?id=20731654#1

Type 1 is found any age group but is often diagnosed in children and young adults. People with type 1 can’t make insulin, because their immune cells attack the cells in the pancreas that produce it. Type 1 diabetics require insulin (usually several injections per day) to live. Unfortunately, a healthy lifestyle is not guaranteed to prevent it since it’s an autoimmune disease.

The best advice to avoid type 2 diabetes is to eat healthy, exercise, and maintain your weight (or lose weight if necessary). In other words, eat your junk food in moderation!

For more information on diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.