Some Key Details of the Two Commonest Forms of Diabetes Mellitus

The starting point when looking at diabetes is to understand that it is a chronic condition which is typified by a distorted metabolism and raised blood sugar levels which give rise to lower levels of insulin. It is also important to note that the symptoms of diabetes can mask themselves to look like many other disorders and the condition can thus go undetected for years. Screening for this particular condition is important because early diagnosis and prompt treatment greatly improve the quality of life for those who are suffering from this condition.

There are 2 major types of diabetes that those people who are unfamiliar with the condition normally find it difficult to separate and these are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells which itself is the result of an auto-immune attack. It cannot be prevented and accounts for about ten percent of all cases of diabetes in Europe and North America. This type of diabetes can be seen in both children and adults and is what people are referring to when they talk about juvenile diabetes. 

This form of the disease can be very effectively treated by monitoring blood glucose levels and adding insulin to the body. Both types of diabetes can require supplementary insulin and diabetic coma can follow if the body’s insulin level falls too quickly.

In addition to taking insulin, the best form of management for type 1 diabetes is diet and exercise. Individuals with this condition need to be aware of their body glucose level and ensure that insulin is topped up as necessary by injection or use of an insulin pump.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, the type 2 form of this disease occurs because of insulin resistance or insulin sensitivity  and the body’s reduced insulin production. This form of diabetes is common in people who suffer from obesity, are advanced in age, have a family history of the condition and who do not take enough exercise.

Individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes have to take medication because their bodies are unable to create insulin. However, type 2 diabetics have several different choices when it comes to controlling their condition. Exercise and diet might well be sufficient to control type 2 diabetes although oral medication and insulin might also be part of a treatment plan. 

There are a lot of different treatment plans available but the most important element of the equation is the patient. This may well be a chronic disease but that does not mean that it has to be a lost cause and there are various ways in which you can keep the body healthy when you are a diabetic. In fact, the diabetic himself is the key player when it comes to fighting the side effects of this all too common disease.

Donald Saunders
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