What’s the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
When most people hear the word “Diabetes” they picture an overweight, unhealthy person. This is true in most cases of type 2 Diabetes. Unfortunately, not many people know the difference between these two types of Diabetes Mellitus. Type 1 Diabetes is also known as insulin dependent Diabetes and affects mostly children. With type 1 Diabetes, the patient always needs insulin, and this type of Diabetes cannot be treated with pills.
Type 1 Diabetes cannot be cured, and it is no ones fault – not the child nor the parents. With type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin. This is due to an autoimmune destruction (when the body produces antibodies against its own tissue) of certain cells of the pancreas. The normal functioning of the body is affected; reduced insulin production leaves the body without energy. The reduction of insulin causes glucose levels to rise in the fluid surrounding the cells as well as the blood stream, because the glucose cannot enter the cells. The body however needs to get rid of the excess glucose and will do that via the kidneys. The high glucose level in the urine causes an excess in urine production. This in turn causes great thirst and a craving for water. Children with type 1 Diabetes will loose energy and weight.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is mostly due to an unhealthy lifestyle and reduced insulin sensitivity. People suffering from this disorder are usually overweight and even obese.
Type 1 Diabetes will never go away but fortunately it can be treated. Children with type 1 Diabetes cannot survive without insulin injections. As insulin is a protein, it can only be injected. Insulin is digested by the intestines. There are two main methods of insulin delivery, insulin injections by an insulin pen and an insulin pump. The insulin pen has been developed to make diabetics lives easier. It can be kept at room temperature by wearing it like a pen in a pocket. The insulin pump is about five to eight centimeters in size and is carried on the body, often on the side of the belly. It is a small computer, which administers small amounts of insulin to the body around the clock. With this pump, extra insulin can be injected if required, for example after an extra treat or a meal with a lot of carbohydrates.
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October 25th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Just a few points to clear up.
T2 Diabetes is not specifically to do with fat people or even an unhealthy lifestyle. Genetics, medication, diseases, stress all have a part to play. Thin people do get Diabetes as well. In the US the Hopi Indians have a 50% chance of getting it. In parts of Northern Europe there is a much greater chance of getting Diabetes. No-one really knows why.
The Beta cells in the Pancreas produce Insulin. You can either have a reduced output from those Beta cells, or you can have a reduced body cell sensitivity- where your body’s cells do not recognize the Insulin.
The increase in sugar urine excess in T1 Diabetics if not controlled can lead to ketoacidosis which is life threatening.
Insulin is produced at a basal rate, constantly being produced through your body. At foot time, the Beta cells release a little extra to cope with the food demand. Without Insulin you will die. That is why T1 Diabetics need insulin constantly.
March 31st, 2010 at 3:15 am
interesting take on the subject, count me as a new subscriber!
April 27th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Thanks for the post. Sometimes it’s not so much about the position but the tone in which it’s reported, don’t you think? Love your humor! Thanks again!