November is American Diabetes Month

Having diabetes means your body cannot use all the sugar you get from carbohydrates because your body can’t make insulin or doesn’t use the insulin very well. For the millions of us who are at risk for it, have it or love someone with diabetes, November is a great time to get educated. You can live a longer, healthier life with the right medical care, food choices and good information about diabetes. The Diabetes Clinic at Parkland offers diabetes care for patients both in the hospital and in the clinic.

What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2?

Type 1 diabetes affects children and adults. This disease occurs quickly and must be managed with the use of insulin. Currently, there is no known cure for type 1 diabetes and it cannot be prevented.

Warning signs of type 1 diabetes can appear suddenly and may include:

• Feeling very thirsty or hungry
• Vomiting
• Stomach pains
• Sudden weight loss
• Sudden vision changes (blurry vision)
• Feeling very tired or find it difficult to move and do daily tasks

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when your pancreas produces insulin, but your body cannot use it very well. Type 2 diabetes can occur in people of all age, it can be prevented or controlled with healthy eating, exercising, medication and insulin.

You may be more at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are overweight
• Smoke
• Have high blood pressure and or high cholesterol
• Don’t have a healthy diet
• Have a family history of diabetes

Learn more about Parkland’s diabetes program at https://www.parklanddiabetes.com/