Diabetes

Although the outcomes and effects of the diseases are the same it is important to note that Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes have very different causes.

Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune disease, where the immune system kills off the cells in the body that produce insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes is most often diagnosed in childhood, and it ranks as the most common chronic childhood disease in developed countries.

Type 2 Diabetes is primarily a result of lifestyle and is strongly associated with obesity.

Type 2 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in people over 40 however this is changing with people in their 20’s and 30’s being diagnosed.

It is estimated that up to 80% of type 2 diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.

At least 50% of all people with Type 2 diabetes are unaware of their condition.

This is frightening, as the major complication of diabetes is the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Consider this sobering statistic, people with type 2 diabetes are over twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as people who do not have diabetes.

So if you want to take positive steps to avoid Type 2 diabetes; If diabetes is lurking in your family history or you have already been diagnosed then as a Member you will find information including:

• What is diabetes?
• Insulin resistance
• Glycemic Index
• Eat regularly
• Carbohydrates
• Dietary Fat