Type 1 and 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.

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 or destroyed. In type 2 diabetes, the body cannot meet the increased insulin demands brought on by a condition called insulin resistance.

Thirds, 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 amputation, and the dysfunction of other organs.

Both type 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 sever dehydration and can cause confusion, coma and even death.

However, the two types of diabetes also have big differences. Type 1 diabetes characteristically occurs in children and young adults (once called juvenile onset diabetes) and requires treatment with insulin for survival (also called insulin dependent diabetes). In type 1 diabetes, the bodies 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.

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Type 1 Diabetes - Overview, Symptoms, and Management

When the body has difficulty in regulating its blood sugar, or glucose levels a disorder is contracted named, diabetes. Medically known as diabetes mellitus, it is a lifelong disease that needs to be treated and managed properly in order to prevent other serious complications to occur.

How does Type 1 diabetes is contracted?

When the immune system attacks and destroys some cells (beta cells) found in the pancreas, type 1 diabetes disease is already contracted. Type 1 diabetes, otherwise known as insulin-dependent diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease wherein patients must take daily insulin injection for the survival. This disease is one of the most chronic diseases that occur to younger people, often the children.

Because of the attack, the pancreas is unable to produce or does not produce insulin at all, which is needed by the body for the energy. The result is an increase of glucose amount in the blood, which consequently spills to the urine. The increased level may result to too many complications associated to diabetes so patients are undergoing regular medical treatment, plus they need to watch their diet.

The most common type 1 diabetes signs and symptoms are:
- Excessiveness and frequency of urination
- Excessive thirstiness
- Fatigue
- Losing weight even with increased food appetite
- Susceptibility to different infections

Diagnosing Type 1 diabetes
People with this disease can easily be diagnosed, only within a month after the onset of the symptoms. The doctors may draw blood samples from you and check or measure its content of sugar or glucose levels.

Other specific types of diagnosis may include the following:

· Random blood glucose – sample blood is drawn and checked. Level of more than 200 mg/dl is already an indication of diabetes symptom.
· Fasting blood glucose – blood is drawn early in the morning following an 8-hour period of not eating and drinking beverages except water. 126 mg/dl or higher content of blood sugar level is a diabetes symptom.
· Urine glucose – glucose may spill over to the urine so this can also be checked of sugar content.
· Urine ketones – presence of ketones in the urine is another indication of the symptom.
· Oral glucose tolerance testing – the patient is asked to drink sweet and sugary beverage after an initial fasting blood sugar is obtained.
· Glycosylated hemoglobin – this is the test done to patients who have been diagnosed using other tests. Doctors operate this test in order to monitor the insulin level of the patient upon which he prescribes a diet to maintain or control your insulin intake.

How to manage Type 1 diabetes?

To control blood sugar or glucose level, a daily one or more dose of insulin is injected to the patient. Injections can be done either through a pen/syringe directly into the skin or through a belt with a pump injecting a continuous concoction of the insulin.

The patients themselves can administer injection for themselves upon learning of the process. In the cases of children patients, their parents or older guardians may take the responsibility.
Exercise and diet to affect Type 1 diabetes patients

Dietary choices are often the same with other people without the disease provided they follow the right pyramid pattern of healthy diets. They need to eat healthy variety of foods and beverages and must eat constantly at the right time, as this is important factor for the insulin injection. Furthermore, they need to watch out on the content of nutrition labels of what they eat to maintain eating normal levels.

Physical exercising can also benefit the patients but they should know how much time and intensity of the workout that they should carry on. The main benefit that exercising can provide you is your need for insulin may decrease. It is also important to maintain regular amount of workout in the daily basis in order for you to adjust easily your insulin dosages.
Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of justdiabeteshelp.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about type 1 diabetes.

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