Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that people with type 1 diabetes live about 11 years less than average; however, new research also suggests this differential can be reduced with good glycemic control. Most people with type 1 diabetes die from complications of type 1 diabetes such as heart disease or kidney disease. Thus, preventing complications and following a healthy lifestyle that prevents heart disease and controls blood sugar are the best things people with type 1 diabetes can do to live a long, healthy life.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes causes your body to not make insulin. Your immune system destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Although it can appear at any age, Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to stay healthy.
Type 2 Diabetes
With type 2 diabetes, your body does not utilize insulin well. Developing type 2 diabetes can come at any age although this type of diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. The biggest risk factor to type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese.
Many people with diabetes do not realize that they are sick
Type 2 diabetes, unlike type 1, does not appear immediately. The body gradually increases glucose levels, losing sensitivity to insulin. Unfortunately, during a prediabetes and even in the early stages of disease, a person does not feel serious changes. Characteristic symptoms and signs are absent, and general fatigue can be attributed to problems at work and stress. In some cases, the patient may live in ignorance for years. Nevertheless, sooner or later the disease will certainly manifest itself.
How to prevent Diabetes?
Like many other diseases, diabetes can be prevented (except for type 1 due to genetic predisposition). A person should lead an active lifestyle, play sports, give up bad habits and eat right. This is the key to preventing disease. By following these simple rules, you will never gain excess weight. You will feel healthy, full of energy and diabetes will never be a threat!