Alester Brown

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious chronic condition that affects nearly 40 million adults in America. Without proper diabetes treatment and management, this disease can cause serious health problems. It can be fatal, but modern treatment options allow people with diabetes to live long and healthy lives.

There are two primary types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. But what are the differences?

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes revolves around the pancreas and the immune system. It's an autoimmune disorder that prevents the pancreas from producing the insulin you need to stay healthy. Insulin is a hormone that moves glucose (blood sugar) from the blood to the cells. It plays a critical role in your overall health, allowing your body to utilize glucose for energy.

Insulin comes from the pancreas. With Type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks the cells that create insulin, called islet cells. When this happens, you can experience a buildup of glucose. That glucose can harm vital organs, causing them to shut down. In severe cases of untreated Type 1 diabetes, it can also lead to ketoacidosis, a condition that causes coma or death due to glucose imbalances.

Researchers don't fully understand why the immune system attacks islet cells, but possible factors include genetics, foods, exposure to chemicals and viruses.

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. Roughly 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have Type 2. This form of diabetes is not an autoimmune disorder. Instead, it's a condition that typically occurs in individuals with too much body fat. It's common in people over the age of 45. However, it can affect people much younger if they're obese or have genetic issues.

With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes less insulin than it should. Furthermore, the body becomes resistant to insulin. Even if your body has the insulin to move glucose like normal, it can't use it.

If you suspect you have either form of diabetes, seek medical care as soon as possible. Diabetes treatment can help manage these conditions, but you must act fast to mitigate issues and develop a plan that works for your health.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about physiotherapy. She advises people on health care, online therapy, anxiety discussion groups & depression message boards. You can find her thoughts at anxiety experts blog.