Diabetes is a serious condition that affects more than 30 million people in the US alone and a staggering 84 million more may have prediabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are chronic illnesses that deal with blood sugar levels. In order to understand diabetes, it’s important to know that it starts with the food we eat. Foods that are given a high score on the glycemic index scale will spike blood glucose levels rapidly. (2) Foods that are given a lower score have a lower impact on blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels spike, insulin is needed to transport the glucose from the blood to cells in our body. Health issues arise when high levels of glucose stay in the blood stream.

If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to serious and life-threatening complications. Some of these complications include nerve damage, kidney damage, heart disease, eye damage, impaired hearing, serious skin conditions, and even Alzheimer’s disease. (3)

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes – A person with type 1 diabetes does not produce insulin. Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented or cured. A person living with type 1 diabetes is required to have insulin injected into the body regularly.