Forty Days of Diabetes - Day 38

What type Are You?

Do you know the difference? Between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? They are very different animals. In the way they are treated, managed, and especially in the cause.

Simply put, people with diabetes either have a total lack of insulin (type 1) or they have too little insulin or cannot use insulin effectively (type 2). 

Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5% to 10% of all people with diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, eventually eliminating insulin production from the body. Without insulin, cells cannot absorb glucose, which they need to produce energy. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood but can strike at any time. It cannot be prevented and the cause is unknown. Type 1 diabetics are insulin dependent and will require insulin injections for life.

Type 2 diabetes can develop at any age. It's usually diagnosed in adulthood but is rising in children. It accounts for the vast majority of people who have diabetes, 90% to 95%. In type 2 diabetes, the body isn't able to use insulin the right way. This is called insulin resistance. As it gets worse, the pancreas may make less insulin, called insulin deficiency. Some people inherit genes which makes them susceptible to type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle factors like obesity and inactivity are also important.   Type 2 diabetes can be treated with lifestyle and diet changes, medications, and insulin.