What is the Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that is essential in the conversion of glucose into energy. Without insulin, our bodies would not be able to move the glucose from our bloodstream into the cells where it is converted to energy that is used for movement, growth, repair and other vital functions. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are two different types of insulin-production diseases. Type 1 diabetes is less common. With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces no insulin whatsoever. This leads to a state of semi-starvation, no matter how much an individual eats. A person with type 1 diabetes cannot access the energy that should be extracted from their food and cells thus degenerate. In these instances, a person with type 1 diabetes should take regular shots of insulin to correct the deficiency. Medical research shows that type 1 diabetes is genetically based and appears at a higher frequency in Caucasians and those residing in cold-weather climates.

Type 2 diabetes is much more common, affecting more than 90% of the diabetic population. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin all the time. In many cases, the cells also respond sluggishly to the insulin that is provided. This leads to higher blood sugar levels. When the body cannot convert the sugar to energy, it stores it as fat, thus compounding the problem. In many instances, "insulin resistance" can escalate to extremely unhealthy and out-of-control levels. For this reason, if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is important to proactively treat your illness with proper diet, exercise, and in some instances medication. Products such insulin testing strips, pumps and diabetic shoes can help manage the disease on a day-to-day basis. If not combated, type 2 diabetes can lead to excessive weight gain, blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, and diabetic foot diseases which can lead to amputation.

How do I prevent type 2 diabetes?

While type 1 diabetes is frequently genetic, the best defense against type 2 diabetes is a healthy diet and lifestyle. Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle are at particular risk. Other variables include aging, smoking, high alcohol consumption, a diet high in sugar, carbohydrates, and processed foods. Also certain mineral deficiencies may contribute to type 2 diabetes development. Talk to your doctor about your risk level and discuss different strategies for ensuring your long-term health.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition, or be taken as medical advice. For more information related to your unique situation, please speak with your personal physician.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of comfort footwear offering a wide selection of diabetic shoes, custom made orthotics, as well as support braces. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.

How to Treat a Sprain

With March Madness in full swing, we are seeing more and more basketball-related injuries, particularly ankle and wrist sprains. A sprain is an injury to the joint tissue that typically occur when the joint overstretches or is overloaded by a sudden twist or fall. They can also be caused by overuse in repetitive activities or sports. The sprain results in swelling, loss of movement, inability to support weight, pain, and occasional discoloration. In some instances a sprain can feel feel a lot like a fracture.

The most common location of a sprain is extremity joints, such as the ankle and wrist, but I have seen my fair share of neck sprain as well. In treating these sprains, a good acronym to remember is HI-RICE – hydrate, ibuprofen, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The following is a summary of the steps you should take to treat a sprain:

• HYDRATE. As with any illness or injury, always drink plenty of water. Water is essential for recovery.


• IBUPROFEN. It will reduce swelling and help control joint inflammation. If you are an athlete you can get a special prescription from your physician for a higher dosage to help speed along your recovery.


• REST. Stay off this injured joint as much as possible. You can use crutches, and in many instances, the injured area should be immobilized with a support brace or splint.


• ICE. You should ice the injury as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the longer the injury will take to heal. For the first two days of the injury, you should apply ice for 20 to 40 minutes every 2 to 4 hours.


• COMPRESS. To further reduce swelling, wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage. Make sure it is snug, but does not cut off circulation.


• ELEVATE. Elevate the injury above the heart, which also further reduce swelling.

After three days, you should start applying heat to the sprained area which will help speed along the healing process even more.


About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of comfort footwear offering a wide selection of diabetics shoes as well as a wide selection of support braces. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.