According to MayoClinic.com, diseases that describe the dysfunctional control of your blood sugar, or glucose, are collectively referred to as diabetes mellitus. There are three basic types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational. When left unmonitored and uncared for, diabetes mellitus can lead to a number of serious health complications including high blood pressure, kidney disease, peripheral artery disease, and hearing and vision problems. The signs, symptoms and suggested diets for all three types of diabetes have similarities and differences.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is commonly identified as juvenile diabetes because it is usually diagnosed in early adolescence. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, sufferers of type 1 diabetes do not produce a protein called insulin, which is important for blood sugar metabolism. Insulin is usually produced by specialized cells within the pancreas, but due to an autoimmune disorder, the body's immune system destroys these specialized cells. Without insulin, sugar cannot enter cells and tissues and be metabolized. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes is described as a rapid development of weight loss, excessive thirst, increased hunger, fatigue and blurred vision. People with type 1 diabetes will typically have to take insulin shots for life in order to better control their blood sugar. Healthy diets for type 1 diabetes should be similar to a healthy diet for everyone, which includes foods low in fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar and foods rich in complex carbohydrates like whole grain foods.
Type II Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is an adult onset form of the disease and is the most common form of diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes was previously identified as non-insulin-dependent diabetes because in most cases, the pancreas still produces enough insulin for the body, but the cells and tissues have become resistant to its effects. This means that even though there is insulin to let blood sugar into the cells and tissues to be metabolized, the cells and tissues do not respond, and the sugar stays at high concentrations in the blood. However, there are some people who develop type 2 diabetes that do have an insulin deficiency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with type 2 diabetes need to carefully monitor their blood glucose levels and may even need to take medications to aid in blood sugar management. Dietary suggestions for type I2 diabetes is similar to that for type 1 diabetes, which is a healthy-balanced eating plan that reduces sugar, salt, fat and cholesterol intake.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a unique form of the disease that only occurs during pregnancy. During gestational diabetes, women have abnormally high levels of blood glucose that may be caused by the hormones within the body that are important for the growth and development of the baby. According the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, nearly 4 percent of all women who get pregnant will develop gestational diabetes. Fortunately, gestational diabetes is usually limited during the pregnancy and the blood sugar levels will return to normal after the mother gives birth. Women may not experience any obvious symptoms for gestational diabetes, and may only be confirmed following blood glucose tests. The ADA suggests that women with gestational diabetes follow a good meal plan that involves plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat intake, and smaller portion sizes. It also suggests plenty of exercise to assist in the management of your blood sugar levels, which should also be carefully monitored.
