Do you know the difference between the different types of diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that impacts the way the body produces and uses insulin. It is a growing problem in the United States and something that everyone should be aware of particularly because Type 2 Diabetes is completely preventable for most individuals. Sadly, most Americans do not the difference between the two types of diabetes, although 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year.
Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes) accounts for 5% (five out of 100 people) where the body’s immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, eventually eliminating insulin from the body. Without insulin, cells cannot absorb sugar (glucose), which is necessary to produce energy. The only treatment for Type 1 is inulin and it is not preventable.
Type 2 Diabetes accounts for 90% – 95% cases which can develop at any age. While this disease commonly develops during adulthood, Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis in children is rising. In Type 2 Diabetes, the body is not able to use insulin effectively (insulin resistance). As Type 2 Diabetes worsens, the pancreas makes less and less insulin, called insulin deficiency. Type 2 Diabetes is preventable through a healthy diet and reducing sugar consumption and can be treated through diet and exercise and in some cases oral drugs and insulin.
And of course, there is Gestational Diabetes which accounts for about 9% of pregnant women (including myself during my first pregnancy) and can be treated through diet and exercise or insulin. In a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “more than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes, up from the previous estimate of 26 million in 2010. One in four people with diabetes doesn’t know he or she has it.” Diagnosis by ethnicity/race breaks down to the following percentages:
- 6% of non-Hispanic whites
- 0% of Asian Americans
- 8% of Hispanics
- 2% of non-Hispanic blacks
- 9% of American Indians/Alaskan Natives
After being diagnosed with diabetes, some people assume that they won’t be able to enjoy a diet that is varied, or will include their favorite indulgences. In reality, many of the meals preferred by diabetics are as delicious as less healthy options. As a new infographic has taught masters in nursing online students, diabetic foods are full of flavor. One sweet treat you won’t be able to get enough of is popcorn. Drizzled with hot margarine or a low sugar sweetener, popcorn can be enjoyed by diabetics as a smart treat that’s heart healthy and light.
If you have a serious sweet-tooth, oatmeal can be another good standby. Made fresh from scratch in the morning, oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast food that is filling and hearty. As a dessert, oatmeal goes great in granola, and there’s absolutely nothing quite like sugar free oatmeal cookies. Even as a diabetic, you can eat just about whatever you crave.
This infographic was developed by the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing for informational purposes.
