I was watching television the other day and an OLD, OLD, OLD rerun came on. It was “Dragnet” — an old TV show from the 1960s. The show featured two cops, Sergeant Joe Friday and his sidekick, Officer Bill Gannon. The famous line from the show was spoken by Friday. He said, “Just the facts, ma’am; nothing but the facts.”

That’s what you want when you have been diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. You want and need the facts.

Type 1 diabetes facts:

* Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or young adults.

* Type 1 Diabetes is almost always insulin dependent.

* Frequent testing of blood sugar levels daily is required (up to six times each day).

* Diet must be controlled. The consumption of carbohydrates determines the amount and frequency that insulin must be injected.

* Exercise must also be controlled, because the body uses carbs as energy, and the use of energy also determines how frequently and how much insulin must be injected.

* Type 1 Diabetics do not “outgrow” diabetes. Diabetes must be treated for your lifetime.

* Life expectancy is normal. You will likely live a long, healthy, and active life, provided you take care of yourself.

Type 2 diabetes facts:

* Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 40.

* Type 2 diabetes rarely requires insulin.

* Making adjustments to diet and exercise is often enough to control Type 2 diabetes.

* Sometimes oral medications are needed.

* Testing blood sugar levels is required, but not as often as those with Type 1 diabetes.

* You can get Type 2 diabetes under control and have medication either reduced or eliminated.

* Life expectancy is normal. You’ll live a long, healthy, and active life, provided you take care of yourself.