Dr. Jeannie Kenkare, the chief medical officer for PhysicianOne Urgent Care, talks about diabetes and how to catch it early.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and Kenkare wants people to know the difference between Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, and Type 2. Type 1 happens when the autoimmune system attacks insulin that the body produces, not leaving enough for bodily functions. Type 2, which people have more control over, occurs when the body produces too much insulin and can't respond to it and use it properly, which eventually causes the body to stop making enough insulin.
Early signs of both types of diabetes include excessive thirst, hunger and urination, and some less common symptoms include headaches and fatigue.
While Type 1 is mostly genetic, you can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes by modifying your diet to limit the amount of fatty foods and red meats consumed.
