Understanding Diabetes

Today there are millions of people living with diabetes. Diabetes education is important to help you manage your health.  

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas does not make enough insulin or when the body does not use the insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps move glucose from your blood into your cells to be used for energy. Without insulin, the extra glucose stays in your blood and can’t get into your cells.   

Two of the most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2:  

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults but can also affect older adults. With type 1 diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin due to a response from the immune system that destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily.  

Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a result of your body not using insulin effectively. Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but it is most common in the middle age and older population. 

Tips for managing your diabetes: 

Monitor your blood glucose readings daily and keep track of your habits or anything that might change your glucose patterns. You can also manage your diabetes by eating healthy, staying active, getting necessary lab work, scheduling check-ups, taking medication (if needed), and continuing diabetes education.  

If you have diabetes and are interested in seeing a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, please call 920-568-5247 to schedule an appointment.  

For more diabetes education, visit Diabetes Management & Staying on Track | NovoCare® Diabetes Education.