Healthy Living provides services for members living with the three main types of diabetes - Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. Learn more about living healthy with diabetes with information from the American Diabetes Association.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes takes place when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. This type of diabetes is sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. The cause for Type 1 diabetes is not known. 

This animation illustrates how insulin is normally produced in the body and how its production is destroyed in type 1 diabetes. Approximately 25 million people worldwide, many of them children, suffer from this disease. There is currently no cure for diabetes and those affected with this disease must endure daily insulin injections for the duration of their lives.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance as the body's cells fail to properly respond to insulin. As the disease progresses, a lack of insulin may also develop. Type 2 diabetes was previously referred to as noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes. The primary causes are excessive body weight and not enough exercise.

What is Type 2 Diabetes? http://www.clearlyhealth.com

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnant women who do not have a previous history of diabetes develop high blood-sugar levels. For these women, it is especially important to listen carefully to their doctors so both they and their babies can remain healthy.

Gestational Diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes and is most common health problem for women.

Information About Gestational Diabetes from the Mayo Clinic:

Definition

Symptoms

Risk Factors

Complications

Tests & Diagnosis

Treatment & Drugs

Prevention

 

Recently diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes? 

If you have a child who was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, be sure to visit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) website and sign up for their Bag of Hope kit. It includes educational materials, a teddy bear, a glucometer, and more.

JDRF isn't just for youth - they also provide support and resources for adults who are living with Type 1. If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with Type 1 as an adult, be sure to request a Type 1 Diabetes care kit from JDRF. While JDRF is an excellent source for information and helpful give aways, their community support programs are probably their best offerings. Link up with a local mentor, participate in local events and meet-ups, and join in community events like the OneWalk and the TypeOneNation Summit. 

For those with Type 2 diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association support page for an amazing compilation of resources. If you were recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, they also offer a Live Well program that features healthy recipes and a subscription to their Diabetes Forecast Magazine. You can also sign up for their Care4Life program that sends reminders and updates to your phone via text message.