If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor has classified you as Type 1 or Type 2. Your treatment options will be recommended according to the type of diabetes you have. This section outlines the difference between the two.
Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin dependent or "juvenile diabetes"
Children and young adults are usually diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which is why this type is frequently referred to as "juvenile diabetes." In Type 1 diabetes, the cells inside the pancreas that are suppose to produce insulin don't do their job or have been gradually destroyed. Without any insulin, people living with Type 1 diabetes are unable to control the levels of sugar in their blood. As a result, they become "dependent" upon insulin to live. They must have insulin through shots or a pump every day.
Type 2 Diabetes: Adult on-set or "insulin resistant"
Type 2 diabetes is far more common that Type 1. In fact, 90% of the people living with diabetes are Type 2. Diagnosis usually occurs during adulthood when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or starts ignoring the insulin that is produced. Unlike people living with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetics can produce some amount of insulin, often giving them the option to control blood sugar levels using diet and exercise modifications, as well as prescription medications. It is not uncommon, however, for Type 2 diabetes to progress to a point where the person is required to take insulin just like with Type 1.
No comments:
Post a Comment