A staggering 60% of US adults have at least one chronic disease. Diabetes, in turn, is one of the most common of such long-term health conditions.

Fortunately, diabetes is manageable, so even people who have it can still live a long and happy life.

However, it’s vital to note that several types of diabetes exist, and their treatment can vary.

To that end, we created this guide discussing the most common forms of diabetes. Read on to discover what they are and how to manage them.

Type 1 Diabetes

People can develop type 1 diabetes (T1D) if their pancreas fails to make insulin or doesn’t make enough of it. Unfortunately, insulin is necessary for blood sugar to enter the cells. So, without it, blood sugar ends up accumulating in the bloodstream.

Type 1 diabetes is one of the 100+ known autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases, in turn, are conditions in which the body mistakenly attacks itself.

In the case of T1D, the body’s immune system destroys beta cells that make insulin.

The good news is that type 1 diabetes is manageable with insulin shots.

However, your doctor will also tell you to count your carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake. You’d also need to stay on top of your blood sugar. Healthy eating, regular exercises, and weight management will also help you manage T1D.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the most common type of diabetes; it accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases.

With T2D, the pancreas still creates enough insulin. However, the body becomes ineffective in using the hormone for some unknown reason. It can also happen if the cells can’t respond to the hormone as they should.

Health experts have yet to discover what causes type 2 diabetes. Still, they believe that lifestyle and weight factors contribute to its development. For instance, 90% of people with T2D are overweight or have obesity.

Fortunately, you can manage type 2 diabetes almost the same way as type 1 diabetes. However, you may also have to take antidiabetic medications. For example, your doctor may prescribe Janumet XR 50mg/500mg along with diet and exercise.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It usually develops in women who didn’t have diabetes before getting pregnant.

Gestational diabetes doesn’t affect all pregnant women. However, it’s still prevalent, affecting up to 14% of pregnancies in the United States.

Gestational diabetes is temporary for most women, though. Moreover, those who develop it can manage it with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

It’s imperative to manage gestational diabetes as it can cause pregnancy complications. For instance, it can lead to the baby becoming extra-large due to high sugar levels. Moreover, it increases the likelihood of a Cesarian section, preeclampsia, or hypoglycemia.

Don’t Let Any of These Types of Diabetes Get In Your Way

Keep in mind that all types of diabetes we discussed can co-occur with other health woes. For example, many people with diabetes also have hypertension (high blood pressure).

However, that doesn’t mean you will, too, but you have to make sure you get your diabetes under control ASAP.

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