Understanding The Two Commonest Types Of Diabetes Mellitus - By: Don Saunders

Diabetes is a chronic condition which is distinguished by a distorted metabolism and raised levels of blood sugar which lead to lower insulin levels. The symptoms of diabetes can mask themselves to look like many other disorders and the condition can go undetected for many years. Screening for this particular condition is important because early diagnosis and prompt treatment greatly increase the quality of life for individuals who are suffering from this condition.

There are two major types of diabetes that those individuals who are not familiar with the condition frequently find it difficult to separate and these are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes results from the destruction of pancreatic beta cells which itself is caused by an auto-immune attack. It cannot be prevented and accounts for roughly 10% of the cases of diabetes (or more accurately diabetes mellitus) in North America and Europe. It is found in children and adults and is often referred to as juvenile diabetes.

This form of diabetes can be treated successfully by carefully monitoring levels of blood glucose and adjusting the level of insulin in the body. Both types of diabetes can require insulin and diabetic coma or even death can result if the body's insulin level falls too quickly.

Apart from taking insulin, type 1 diabetes is best managed by a program of exercise and diet. Individuals with this condition must be aware of their body glucose level and make sure that insulin is replaced by injection.

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

Type 1 diabetics have to take medication because their bodies can no longer create insulin. However, type 2 diabetics have a few different choices in terms of keeping their condition under control. Diet and exercise could well be sufficient to control type 2 diabetes but insulin and oral medication can also be included in treatment.

There are a variety of different treatment plans available but the most important part of the equation is the patient. This may well be a chronic disease but this does not mean that it is a lost cause and there are a lot of ways to keep your body healthy when you are a diabetic. In fact, the diabetic is the most important factor in the fight against the side effects of this unfortunately all too common condition.

About the Author

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