Double Diabetes: A New Diabetes Health Risk
Type 1 + Type 2 = Type 3 Diabetes
Double diabetes, also known as Type 3 diabetes, is a hybrid of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and is becoming more common. What exactly is double diabetes? To understand what it is, it’s important to review the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes (previously called juvenile diabetes), or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), is the least common form of the disease, affecting roughly 5 percent of the diabetic population in the U.S. It most often occurs in children, but adults can also develop Type 1 diabetes. With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin, which converts blood sugar into energy for the body. Therefore, those with Type 1 diabetes must give themselves insulin injections every day for life.
About 95 percent of diabetics have Type 2 diabetes (previously called adult-onset diabetes), or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas either produces too little insulin, or the body cannot process it correctly (insulin-resistant). Because Type 2 diabetes is most often the result of weight gain and obesity, it can be managed and even eliminated by losing weight with a careful diet plan and exercise program. Otherwise, Type 2 diabetes is treated and managed with medication that lowers blood glucose levels.
The latest form of diabetes, known as Type 3 or “double” diabetes, can occur in those with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. As the name implies, individuals diagnosed with double diabetes can experience symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2. Not only is double diabetes harder to diagnose, but it is also more difficult to treat.
How Does Double Diabetes Occur?
Double diabetes most often occurs when adults or children with Type 1 diabetes gains too much weight and their bodies become resistant to their daily insulin injections. When this occurs, they may need to supplement their insulin injections with medication. However, the most important way for a Type 1 diabetic to treat the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes - and to prevent the onset of double diabetes altogether - is to maintain a healthy body weight.
Type 2 diabetics can also develop symptoms of Type 1 diabetes if they are found to have the antibodies that attack the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. This is more complicated to treat because each type of diabetes requires a different treatment.
Prevention through Healthy Habits
The most reliable method of preventing double diabetes is to eat well-balanced, nutritious meals, and exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight. Diabetics, and those who are genetically predisposed to develop diabetes, should practice portion control and learn how different foods affect blood sugar in order to plan healthy meals. Carbohydrates in particular have the most effect on glucose levels, so it is important to limit the intake of foods high in carbs and consume protein and good fats found in nuts, oils and fish.
For those who are already diabetic, it is equally important to understand when and how to coordinate taking insulin before meals. If you need help understanding how to do this, or to plan healthy meals, talk to your doctor or meet with a registered dietician who understands your needs.
Aimee Croatti is a writer for American Diabetes Services, who provide low cost and free diabetic supplies to diabetics who qualify through their medical insurance plans. As the nation’s leading diabetic supply company, we are a Medicare provider and work with most major medical insurance plans. Additionally, American Diabetes Services accepts assignment on Medicare and private insurance claims.
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