An Overview Of Two Common Types Of Diabetes Mellitus

The starting point when looking at diabetes is to understand that it is a chronic condition which is typified by a distorted metabolism and raised levels of blood sugar which result in lower insulin levels. The symptoms of diabetes can mask themselves to look like many other disorders and the disease can go undetected for many years. Screening for this particular condition is important as early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the quality of life for individuals who have this condition.

There are two key types of diabetes that those people who are not familiar with the disease normally find it hard to separate and these are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of cells within the pancreas which itself is caused by an auto-immune attack. It is not preventable and accounts for about 10% of the cases of diabetes (or more accurately diabetes mellitus) in Europe and North America. This form of diabetes can be seen in children and adults and is sometimes called juvenile diabetes. 

Type 1 diabetes can be successfully treated by carefully monitoring levels of blood glucose and adjusting the level of insulin in the body. Both forms of diabetes can require insulin and diabetic coma or death can result if the body’s insulin level falls too quickly.

In addition to administering insulin, type 1 diabetes is best managed by a program of exercise and diet. Individuals with this disease have to be aware of their body glucose level and make sure that insulin is topped up as necessary by injection.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, the type 2 form of this disease occurs as a result of a resistance to insulin or insulin sensitivity  combined with the body’s lowered insulin production. This form of diabetes is common in people who suffer from obesity, are elderly, have a family history of this condition and who do not exercise enough.

People with type 1 diabetes must use medication because their bodies have lost their ability to make insulin. However, type 2 diabetics have several different choices in terms of keeping their condition under control. Exercise and diet may be sufficient to control type 2 diabetes although oral medication and insulin may also be included in a treatment plan. 

There are a variety of different treatment choices available but the most important element of the treatment equation is the patient. This is chronic but that does not mean that it has to be a lost cause and there are various ways to keep the body healthy when you have diabetes. In fact, the diabetic himself or herself is the most important factor when it comes to fighting the side effects of this unfortunately all too common condition.

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