What is diabetes?
Diabetes means your blood sugar, or glucose, is too high. Glucose comes from food that fuels our bodies. Your body always needs some glucose in the blood to keep it running. But having too much is not healthy.
The body makes insulin, which keeps normal blood glucose levels. However, when the body does not use or make insulin well, blood sugar levels rise.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
A type 1 diabetic does not make insulin. Type 1 is genetic and usually found in children and young adults. A type 2 diabetic cannot make enough insulin. You could get type 2 if you do not exercise and eat poorly over the long term.
What are the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Some early signs of diabetes are: peeing a lot, feeling very thirsty, losing weight, and feeling tired for no reason. If you see these early signs, go to the doctor or medical provider and get a check-up.
What causes Type 2 Diabetes?
Obesity, High Blood Pressure, Smoking, Genetic Factors
What can Type 2 Diabetes lead to?
Heart Disease, Stroke, Kidney Failure, Blindness, Poor Blood Circulation
What can you do?
If you have family members with type 1 diabetes, talk to a medical provider to see what you can do. Reduce your risk: You can prevent diabetes through a healthy lifestyle. Change your diet, increase your level of physical activity, maintain a healthy weight… with these positive steps, you can stay healthier longer and reduce your risk of diabetes.
Resources
Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/basics/definition/con-20031902
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/basics/definition/con-20019573
American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/facts-about-type-2.html
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-1/
Special Thanks
Derek Chang graduated with a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah. Go Utes! He was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He aspires to become a physician-entrepreneur to find and create new ways of improving overall patient health. He enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, reading books, meeting new people, and learning anything new.
