Type 1 Diabetes

Dr. Bruce Perkins

MD, MPH, FRCPC

Endocrinologist

Toronto, ON

Dr. Loren Grossman

MD, FRCPC, FACP

Endocrinologist

Toronto, ON

Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in a lack of insulin production, which is necessary to regulate blood sugar levels.

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<p> Endocrinologist highlights what is said and what is sometimes not said when patients speak to their physicians about their type 1 diabetes.</p>

Endocrinologist highlights what is said and what is sometimes not said when patients speak to their physicians about their type 1 diabetes.

Knowledge is Power.

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True/False - Quiz: Do You Understand Type 2 Diabetes?

Quiz: Do You Understand Type 2 Diabetes?

Test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

Questions

True

False

Checking your blood sugars daily at home with a glucometer can help prevent diabetes complications.

Explanation:

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes you will want to ensure that you monitor your blood sugar levels carefully in order to avoid complications. Checking your blood sugars daily at home with a glucometer is one way you can do this.

The A1C target for most patients is 9.0% or lower.

Explanation:

The A1C target for most patients is 7.0% or lower. Keeping your A1C within a normal range can help reduce the complications of diabetes in the future. When these targets are not reached patients put themselves at risk for heart disease, stroke, eye damage, nerve damage and kidney damage.

Daily physical exercise can actually help improve your blood glucose levels.

Explanation:

There are a number of lifestyle considerations for diabetes patients when trying to lower and control blood sugar levels. In combination with a healthy mean plan, daily physical exercise can significantly contribute to overall health and improved blood glucose control.

Almost 60% of people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.

Explanation:

Almost 90% of people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese puts added pressure on the body's ability to properly use insulin to control blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.

Stress will not affect your blood sugar levels.

Explanation:

Diabetes management can affect one’s emotional well being. It’s well known that being stressed can raise blood sugar levels, so it’s important for patients with diabetes to learn some techniques to help reduce stress.

What is the Prevalence of Diabetes?

Diabetes is commonly categorized into two main types: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. While there are other types of diabetes, such as gestational diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the most prevalent forms.