Understanding Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Learning about diabetes is an important step for anyone who suffers from it or has a family member who does. Understanding the differences in type 1 and type 2 is part of this process as although they are both caused by inadequate insulin action in the body, the treatment and outlook are different. The full name for diabetes is diabetes mellitus and it is characterized by high sugar levels.

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

This is the type that most people seem to be familiar with and occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. This may be caused by damage to the pancreas by accident or disease but more commonly, an autoimmune disease destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

The process of autoimmune damage to the pancreas normally progresses over years and to begin with, no effects are visible. It typically develops into type 1 diabetes in childhood or early adolescence. However, it can also appear when a person is in their 30s or 40s or even later.

It is often easier to diagnose type 1 diabetes in young children as elevated blood sugar at a young age is a sure sign of this condition. In teenagers and adults, it is important to determine whether the person is suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes as the treatment is different. A type 1 diabetic has to be treated with insulin - either by injection or an insulin pump. Regular blood testing monitors sugar levels and helps the person to inject the correct dose of insulin before each meal.

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes makes up 90 to 95% of all cases of diabetes. It used to be known as adult-onset diabetes but these days, it also affects children and adolescents. As a condition, it is a little more complicated than type 1 diabetes. It is caused by a deficiency of insulin and the body's resistance to the insulin that is available.

In the early stages of the disease, the pancreas manufactures large amounts of insulin to try and normalize sugar levels. Eventually it is unable to cope with the glucose levels and blood sugar levels rise to diabetic levels. High glucose levels will damage the pancreas over time and insulin production will decline.

There is a proven link between insulin resistance and obesity. Visceral or intra-abdominal fat around the liver and other organs is a greater risk factor than subcutaneous fat which lies under the skin. This type of fat can also affect blood vessels and cause heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes may initially be treated by tablets that boost insulin production. Coupled with a weight reduction program, these can be highly effective in bringing glucose levels down to a normal level. There are also medications that reduce insulin resistance and these can also help with weight loss in some cases. In other cases, the above medicines may not be enough and the person will also need to inject insulin.

Understanding diabetes is the first step to managing this disease. Knowing the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is important as although they have similar symptoms, the treatments are different.

The Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-diabetes , Bob Greene, Simon & Schuster, 2009