Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
The
two main forms of diabetes are called type 1
and type 2 diabetes. Although they have
different causes and, to a great extent
affect different categories of people, they
share three main features.
First, type 1 and type 2 diabetes are
both characterized by metabolic
abnormalities that include high levels of
blood sugar in the circulation, as well as
increased levels of other nutrient breakdown
products that are released from their
storage sites. See Table 1.1. Second,
decreased insulin secretion or a decreased
sensitivity to insulin action is the reason
for these metabolic abnormalities. In the
case of type 1 diabetes, the body makes no
or very little insulin because the
insulin-secreting islets have been harmed
and destroyed. In type 2 diabetes, the body
cannot meet the increased insulin demands
brought on by a condition called insulin
resistance.
Third, both types of diabetes can
result in long-term complications that
affect the small vessels of the eyes,
kidneys, and nervous system. These
complications are related to the high levels
of blood sugar that are sustained over time
and can result in serious damage such as
blindness, kidney failure, foot ulcers and
amputations and the dysfunctions of other
organs. Both types of diabetes also
substantially increase the risk of
developing heart disease and stroke. In the
short term, very high blood sugars, if not
treated, can lead to severe dehydration and
can cause confusion, coma, and even death.
Even with their shared features, the two
types of diabetes are quite different in
many respects. Type 1 diabetes
characteristically occurs in children and
young adults (it was once called
juvenile-onset diabetes) and requires
treatment with insulin for survival (type 1
also used to be called insulin-dependent
diabetes). In type 1 diabetes, the body's
immune system attacks the pancreas. This
autoimmune attack destroys the beta cells,
leaving them unable to make insulin.
The causes of type 1 diabetes are not fully
understood. We don't know what triggers the
immune system to start attacking the
pancreas, although certain inherited genes
can make you more vulnerable. However we do
know that type 1 diabetes is not primarily
caused by lifestyle, being overweight, or
obesity; however, controlling body weight
and exercising regularly are important parts
of the treatment. Maintaining blood-sugar
levels as close to the non-diabetic range as
possible is critical to avoid long-term
complications. Source: Beating
Diabetes written by Dr. M. Nathan M.D.
and Linda M. Delahanty, M.S. R.D.
Also read:
Diabetes and Sedentary Lifestyle
The Relation Between Diabetes and Blood Sugar
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