Understanding The Two Principle Types Of Diabetes - Diabetes is a chronic condition which is typified by a distorted metabolism and raised levels of blood sugar which lead to reduced levels of insulin. The symptoms of diabetes can look very much like those of a host of other conditions and the disease can therefore go undiagnosed for years. Screening for this particular condition is important because early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the quality of life for those who have this condition.
There are 2 key
types of diabetes that individuals who are not familiar with the disease normally find it difficult to tell apart and these are type 1 and
type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of cells within the pancreas which occurs because of an auto-immune attack. It cannot be prevented and accounts for approximately ten percent of the cases of diabetes in North America and Europe. Type 1 diabetes is found in children and adults and is often referred to
as juvenile diabetes.
It is possible to treat
type 1 diabetes very successfully by closely monitoring levels of blood glucose and adjusting the level of insulin in the body. Both forms of diabetes can
require the enhancement of the body's insulin level and diabetic coma can result if the body's insulin level falls too quickly.
Apart from the administration of insulin, the best form of management for
type 1 diabetes is a program of exercise andb diet. People with this condition need to be aware of theirb body glucose level and ensure that insulin is replaced by injection or use of an insulin pump.
Type 2 diabetes is differen
t from the type 1 form of this disease because it occurs as a result of insulin resistance or a sensitivity to insulin combined with the body's reduced insulin production. This form of diabetes is common in people who are obese, are advanced in age, have a family
history and who do not exercise.
Type 1 diabetics have to use medication because their bodies cannot make insulin.
Type 2 diabetics however have several different choices in terms of controlling their condition.
Diet and exercise might well be enough to keep
type 2 diabetes under control but oral medication and insulin might also be included in treatment.
There are numerous different treatment options available but the most critical element of the treatment equation is the patient. This is a chronic condition but this does not mean that it has to be a lost cause and there are numerous ways to keep your body in good health when you are suffering from diabetes. Indeed, the diabetic is the most important factor in the fight against the side effects of this all too common disease.