Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily activity. The cause of diabetes continues has yet to be determined, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. An overview of the two major types of diabetes follows below.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to turn glucose and sugar into energy. Lack of insulin can cause two problems.  First, the body's cells do not receive the needed energy to function. Second, high blood glucose levels may damage your eyes, kidneys, or heart.

Type 1 diabetes is serious, but complications can be avoided with exercise, a healthy diet, and blood glucose monitoring. A diabetes management plan should be developed with your physician. Once a plan is determined, the best blood glucose monitor for that plan should be chose. Please view our products page to find a blood glucose monitor that is best for you.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems. First, your cells may be starved for energy. Second, over time high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

Finding out you have diabetes can be frightening, but diabetes can be managed with exercise, a healthy diet, and blood glucose monitoring. People with type 2 diabetes need insulin in some form to process the glucose present in the blood stream. Developing a plan with your physician to manager your diabetes is crucial. Once a plan is determined, it is important to decided on the proper meter. Please view our products page to find a meter that is best for you.