There are three main types of diabetes:
• Type 1 diabetes – With this type of diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. This is a problem because the body needs insulin to take sugar (glucose) from the food that the person consumes to convert it into energy. People who have type 1 diabetes should take insulin every day to live.
• Type 2 diabetes – With this type of diabetes, the body does not produce or use insulin well. People with this type of diabetes may need to take pills or insulin to help control it. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes – This type of diabetes appears in some women when they are pregnant. Most of the time it disappears after the baby is born. However, even if it goes away, these women and their children are at greater risk of developing diabetes later on.
Take your diabetes seriously.
You may have heard some people say that they have “a little bit of diabetes” or that they have “a little high sugar”. Listening to these words can make us believe that diabetes is not a serious disease. This is not true, diabetes is serious, but you can learn to control it.
Learn to live with diabetes.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed, sad or angry when you have diabetes. Maybe you know the steps you have to take to stay healthy but you have a hard time following the plan. This section has tips on how to cope with diabetes and how to eat well and stay active.
Face diabetes.
• Stress can increase your blood sugar level. Learn different ways to reduce stress. Take deep breaths, gardening, walk, meditate, distract yourself with a favorite pastime or listen to your favorite music.
• If you feel depressed, ask for help. Maybe a mental health counselor, a support group, a leader in your religious community, a friend or family member who hears your concerns helps you feel better.
• Choose foods low in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and salt.
• Eat foods with more fiber, such as whole grains, breads, crackers, rice or pasta.
• Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, breads and whole grains, and low-fat or low-fat milk and cheese.
• Drink water or cactus juice, especially in the mornings. We recommend our Rancho Natura juices that are 100% organic and without added sugar.
