There are many different illnesses and conditions that can be brought about by eating too much or too little, such as diabetes - but what is diabetes and how can it affect the way you eat?

Most people know that diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar and other carbohydrates. Diabetes is actually broken down into two separate diseases – diabetes type one and diabetes type two. When answering the question, “what is diabetes”, you need to consider that the two illnesses are actually different. Type 1 diabetes is the more severe form of the disease, and can be found in all different types of people, from babies to the elderly. Type 2 diabetes often develops later on in life, and is rarely found in children.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin in order to metabolize the carbohydrates you eat. Without insulin to break down the sugars that you consume, your blood sugar levels can raise dangerously high. Too much sugar in your blood can cause some of your organs to shut down, and it can even cause a coma or death. This severe consequence of not taking care of type 1 diabetes means that you must do everything you can to keep yourself healthy if diagnosed with this disease. You may need to inject insulin or take other medications to keep your sugar levels low.

The other answer to “what is diabetes” is found in explaining type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes happens when your body cannot process the insulin that it makes correctly. There is enough insulin made by the body, but it does not use it in the right way. This can also lead to increased blood sugar levels, as well as weight gain and other consequences of having high blood sugar. While the threat of a coma or death is less likely in type 2 diabetes, the other health problems caused by this disease can be life-threatening.

It is important to get screened for diabetes at least once in your life, and more frequently as you age. Your blood sugar levels can be checked using a simple blood test, which is usually administered on an empty stomach for greater accuracy. This fasting blood sugar will let your doctors know whether it is possible that you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and whether you need to be treated with medications or insulin for either of these diseases.

What is diabetes? Well, it is not a death sentence, that is for sure. With proper eating and diet, exercise and prompt medical treatment, diabetes can be handled easily in most cases. Your doctor can let you know more about diabetes if you are interested