20.8 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States. There are three kinds of diabetes, Type I, Type II and Gestational diabetes. Of the three, Type I affects 175.600 people, that’s .22%, according to the American Diabetes Association. What exactly causes the disease is still unclear. We do know that there are certain factors that can influence whether a person develops the disease.

Those include genetics and the lifestyle choices. Experts know that diabetes has existed since the 19th century, that the pancreas is directly responsible for the production of insulin and that somehow, insulin unlocks the body’s cells to convert glucose into usable energy. Other than that, the disease is greatly individualized. How a person cares for themselves prior to the onset, as well as management of the disease determines what quality of life he or she will experience.

Unlike Type II, Type I diabetes is irreversible. Once diagnosed, Type I carries severe consequences if not cared for properly. Type I diabetes is when the body does not produce insulin anymore. Whether it’s because the pancreas is damaged or the cells that produce insulin have been destroyed, the metabolic processes that occur in healthy individuals aren’t working anymore. It is at this point that the pancreas needs outside help to function. Insulin is the only alternative. Warning signs that you may be in pre-diabetic stages include excessive thirst, excessive hunger, rapid weight loss, fatigue, irritability and mood swings. If you think you may be at risk, your doctor can perform tests to determine your blood sugar level and pancreas function.

Extreme hunger

Rapid weight loss

There are more than 20 different kinds of insulin. They are either manufactured in a lab or derived from animals.

Among the manufactured insulin types, there is synthetic human insulin made from recombinant technology. This is produced by inserting portions of DNA into lab-cultivated yeasts and bacteria. Recombinant insulin tends to act more quickly to reduce blood sugar levels, but with shorter duration than animal derived insulin. Over the past twenty years, synthetic has been replacing pork or beef derived insulin.

Ulralente (Humulin) and Glargine (Lantus) are two long acting synthetic human insulin medications that are ccommonly prescribed for diabetics. Ultralente enters the blood at a slow rate, remaining active for 28 hours. Glargine, injected daily, begins to work to regulate blood sugar levels in just over an hour and lasts up to 24hours. Both are used to treat Type I diabetes.

Once acquired, Type I is life altering. There are many complications that can accompany diabetes if not cared for properly. These can include kidney disease, heart disease, skin and eye complications. Difficulty healing can occur.

So, what is to be done? Nothing precisely can cure this problem. But something that can not be cured must be endured. If you take proper diet, and exercise regularly, you can still live happily, even in the company of diabetes.

There is no cure for diabetes. But if you work with your health care team, eat right and exercise, you can live a great life and stay healthy.

Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.