How to Understand the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

There's a distinctive trend in the questions that diabetics and their family members usually ask. This article will help answer one of these most prominent questions: What is Diabetes and most importantly, how do one differentiate between type 1 and type 2 Diabetes?

                         

Steps

1. Understand that diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot control the level of glucose (sugar) in its blood because of one of the following (or both):
   • The pancreas (not kidneys) does not produce enough insulin.
   • The body cells are resistant to the action of insulin.
2. Realize the fact that type 1 and type 2 diabetes are two totally different types of diabetes. Diabetes, unlike the common myth, does not begin with Type 1 and then progress to Type 2.
3. Understand that people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin. They need to be treated with insulin given by insulin syringes & injection or via insulin pumps for diabetics. (Insulin via a tablet would not be effective as it would be destroyed in the digestion process)
4. Understand that type 2 Diabetes is the more common form of diabetes. Obesity is the primary reason for Type 2 diabetes. People diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes do not produce sufficient quantities of insulin. Initially your pancreas respond to the demand (created by obesity), by producing more insulin. However, it cannot do so indefinitely. Corrective action includes reducing body fat by checking through body fat analyzer and leading a healthier lifestyle. If corrective action is taken soon enough, then people suffering from Type 2 diabetes need not take any medication such as diabetes glucose tablets or diabetes supplements and can lead a healthy normal life. Failure to take corrective action will create a need for insulin injections to supplement the inadequate quantum of insulin produced by your pancreas.
5. Know that Type 2 is likely to be more serious a condition than Type 1 diabetes. Myth: Type 1 diabetes is serious, Truth: Yes and No. Type 2 is likely to be more harmful because people often have it for years before being diagnosed. Having it for years can lead to long term complications.
6. Diabetes is a serious matter. Did you know? Diabetes is a silent killer.Plus, type 1 diabetes occurs in most kids and young adults. Plus, there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes compared to Type 2 diabetes.. at least with type 2 diabetes you have a chance to reverse it by dieting and losing weight.