Diabetes Type 1
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was
previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not
produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose),
starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Finding out you have
diabetes is scary. But don't panic. Type 1 diabetes is serious, but people with
diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives.
Conditions & Treatment
Arm yourself with information about conditions associated with type 1 diabetes,
and how to prevent them. Conditions associated with type 1 diabetes include
hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis and celiac disease. You will also find
helpful information about insulin, choosing blood glucose meters, various
diagnostic tests including the A1c test, managing and checking your blood
glucose, kidney and islet transplantations, and tips on what to expect from your
health care provider.
Complications
Having type 1 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications. Some
complications of type 1 diabetes include: heart disease (cardiovascular
disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage
(nephropathy). Learn more about these complications and how to cope with them.
Recently Diagnosed
You've just been diagnosed with diabetes. Chances are you have a million
questions running through your head. To help you answer those questions, and
take the first steps toward better diabetes care, visit the Recently Diagnosed
area for people who have just been diagnosed with diabetes, or those needing
basic information.
Your Body's Well Being
Make it a priority to take good care of your body. The time you spend now on eye
care, foot care and skin care, as well as your heart health and oral health,
could delay or prevent the onset of dangerous type 1 diabetes complications
later in life. Plus, some of the best things you can do for your body are to
stop smoking, and reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
Common Concerns
This section addresses various areas to help you live with type 1 diabetes. What
do you do when you're sick? What do you do when you travel? Can you get a flu
shot with diabetes? How do you cope with having type 1 diabetes? Are you being
discriminated against because you have diabetes? You'll find answers to these
questions, and more in this section. Ask the Pharmacist The American Diabetes
Association and Rite Aid "Ask the Pharmacist" area is where you can ask a
pharmacist a question to help you manage your diabetes. Rite Aid and the ADA
have partnered to allow you to access to Rite Aid's Drug Information Center from
our Web site. Women and Diabetes Learn how to ensure your own health and
well-being. Health Information For Men Learn how to ensure your own health and
well-being
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either
the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.
Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you
eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose,
which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from
the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going
into cells, it can cause two problems:
- Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
- Over time, high blood
glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. Finding out you
have diabetes is scary. But don't panic.
Type 2 diabetes is serious, but people
with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. While diabetes occurs in
people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk for developing type
2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans,
Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the
aged population.
Conditions & Treatment
Arm yourself with information about
conditions associated with type 2 diabetes, and how to prevent them. Conditions
associated with type 2 diabetes include hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. You will
also find helpful information about insulin, oral medications, various
diagnostic tests including the A1c test, managing and checking your blood
glucose, and tips on what to expect from your health care provider.
Complications
Having type 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious
complications. Some complications of type 2 diabetes include: heart disease
(cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy),
and kidney damage (nephropathy). Learn more about these complications and how to
cope with them.
Your Body's Well Being
Make it a priority to take good care of
your body. The time you spend now on eye care, foot care and skin care, as well
as your heart health and oral health, could delay or prevent the onset of
dangerous type 2 diabetes complications later in life. Plus, some of the best
things you can do for your body are to stop smoking, and reduce the amount of
alcohol you drink.
Common Concerns
This section addresses various areas to help you live with type 2 diabetes. What
do you do when you're sick? What do you do when you travel? Can you get a flu
shot with diabetes? How do you cope with having type 2 diabetes? Are you being
discriminated against because you have diabetes? You'll find answers to these
questions, and more in this section.