Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 4 MAS 089 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Diabetes and Its Main Types
The idea
Diabetes means blood glucose runs too high, because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.
In practice
There are three main types. First, type one diabetes: the immune system destroys the insulin-making cells, so the body makes little or no insulin; it is usually found in children and young adults, though it can appear at any age. Second, type two diabetes: the most common type, in which the body's cells do not use insulin properly and the pancreas cannot keep up. Third, gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth, though it raises the chance of type two later. A related condition, prediabetes, means glucose is higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of type two.
Where people slip
Type two can often be delayed or prevented with lifestyle changes, but explaining risk and treatment is the provider's role. Your part is accurate glucose testing and careful recording.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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