It’s estimated that 34 million Americans have some form of diabetes.
That’s a big number, so much so that you could say that for every 10 people, one person has this ailment. When it comes to an ailment like this, facts matter because they can make a difference.
1. Three Types
There are three types of diabetes, and each comes with a set of complications. Type one develops early on, and folks with this type must take insulin every day. It’s considered an autoimmune disease because the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas responsible for making insulin.
Type two develops later in life. It’s sometimes linked to bad lifestyle choices. There’s also gestational, but this one is temporary and only happens to pregnant women.
It’s a scary ailment that urges you to consume all the diabetes info you can, but be careful. There’s a lot of fake information online, so check your sources, and only trust sites that work with diabetes specialists, like Tandem Diabetes, just as an example.
2. Type Two is Preventable
This is an important fact to keep in mind.
Well, aging is a risk factor, and there’s not much you can do about that, but being overweight also puts you at risk.
You can do something about that. You can eat better and exercise. Even just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a difference.
Eating certain foods can also put you at risk. Rethink your diet. Stick to a fresh and nutrient-rich diet.
3. Will Need a Diet Change
People wonder what a healthy diet looks like and how limiting it might be. Many people fear they won’t be able to eat anything good.
Your customized diet won’t be so bad, but you need to stay away from certain foods as mentioned earlier, like refined carbohydrates and incorrectly processed food.
You’ll also need to stay away from foods high in sodium. You can eat meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
There is also food made specifically for people with diabetes.
4. It’s Manageable
Many people who find out they have diabetes panic, thinking they won’t be able to live a normal life.
While there are downsides and changes you’ll have to make, that doesn’t mean this condition can’t be managed. You can live a long and happy life as long as you exercise and eat well.
Sure, you’ll have to check your numbers, but it’s quick, and you can move on with your day afterward.
5. Scary if Unmanaged
There’s no way around it. If the condition isn’t managed well, it can lead to various problems.
This is the reality that people not only have to accept but use to motivate themselves to take their new lives seriously.
Unmanaged diabetes can lead to blindness, amputation, and even kidney failure among other health complications. You don’t want your life to be harder, and it doesn’t have to be if you manage this condition.
Now, you know important facts associated with diabetes that could help you. If you want more info, talk to a diabetes expert.