Diabetes Specialist

What is the difference between Type I and Type II diabetes?

Your pancreas creates a hormone called insulin, which is responsible for getting glucose fuel into each and every cell in your body. When you have Type I diabetes, your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin, or doesn't produce any at all. When this happens, glucose just circulates around in your blood and your cells never get the fuel they need.

Having Type II diabetes means that you probably have at least some insulin in your body, but your system becomes resistant to it. Often this condition develops from being overweight.

Do I need insulin if I have diabetes?

It depends. With Type I diabetes, you definitely need regular insulin injections throughout the day to replace what your body is missing. But with Type II  diabetes, you may or may not need insulin. Some patients who have Type II diabetes do just fine with oral medications, while others need insulin injections. It just depends on you.

You should know that with Type II diabetes, it's possible to eliminate insulin needs or medications altogether if you get yourself to a healthy weight. While this isn't always a possibility, Type II diabetes is often linked to a high level of body fat. By losing it, you may not need insulin or diabetes medications.

How do I manage diabetes?

The two best things you can do for yourself if you have diabetes is to get more physical activity into your daily routine and learn to manage your diet. As far as nutrition, you need to eat at regular intervals and exclude processed foods and added sugar. The more protein and fiber you add to your diet, the better.

Your practitioner at Quest Medical Center guides you through exactly what you should be eating — and when. You shouldn't have any guess work when it comes to managing your diet.  

Aside from exercise and diet, you're going to need medications and possibly insulin. It's critical to check in with your primary care physician regularly and take your medications exactly as prescribed. If your diabetes spirals out of control and leads to irregular blood glucose levels, you can have permanent organ damage.

Take control of your diabetes today. Schedule an appointment at Quest Medical Center by calling the office or using the book online feature.