Some Basic Facts About The Two Most Common Forms Of Diabetes

The starting point when looking at diabetes is to understand that it is a chronic condition which is distinguished by a distorted metabolism and increased blood sugar levels which lead to lower levels of insulin. It is also important to note that the symptoms of diabetes can look very much like those of a host of other conditions and the disease can go undetected for years. Diabetic screenings are very important because early diagnosis and prompt treatment can greatly increase the quality of life for people who are suffering from this disease.

There are 2 main forms of diabetes that those people who are not familiar with the condition normally find it hard 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 itself is the result of an auto-immune attack. It cannot be prevented and accounts for roughly 10 percent of the cases of diabetes (or more accurately diabetes mellitus) in Europe and North America. This type of diabetes can be seen in children and adults and is sometimes called juvenile diabetes. 

This form of the disease can be very effectively treated by closely monitoring blood glucose levels and adjusting the level of insulin in the body. Both forms of diabetes can require supplementary 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. People with this condition have to be aware of their body glucose level and ensure that insulin is replaced by injection or use of an insulin pump.

Type 2 diabetes is different from the type 1 form of this disease because it occurs because of a resistance to insulin or insulin sensitivity  together with the body's decreased insulin production. This form of diabetes is common in people who are severely overweight, are advanced in age, have a family history of the condition and who do not exercise.

Individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes must use medication because their bodies are unable to make insulin. But, type 2 diabetics have various different choices in terms of controlling their condition. In some cases exercise and diet may be enough to control type 2 diabetes although oral medication and insulin could also be part of a treatment plan. 

There are various treatment options available but the most critical part of the treatment equation is the patient. This is chronic but this does not mean that it is a lost cause and there are plenty of ways to keep the body healthy when you are suffering from diabetes. Indeed, the diabetic himself is the most important factor when it comes to fighting the side effects of this all too common disease.

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