Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, which was formerly called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood when the cells in the body do not use insulin properly. Eventually, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the body's needs. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose damages nerves the blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation. We will discuss the complications of diabetes in more detail later in the blog.

With type 2 diabetes, cells become numb to the action of insulin. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells in the body fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. When cells become resistant to insulin, the level of glucose in the blood stays high. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. Over time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.

Because glucose cannot enter the cells, the cells then think that there is no glucose in the blood. As a result, the cells send a signal to the liver, prompting it to release any stored glucose is has into the bloodstream. As the body tries to compensate and shuttle glucose into the cells, the pancreas secretes more insulin. Because insulin isn't able to perform its function, blood increase, they slowly damage other cells in the body. If not controlled over the long term, this can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and amputation. High glucose levels in the blood also escape through the kidneys, bringing with it water leading to dehydration. Severe dehydration can result in hyperosmolic nonketotic diabetic coma, a life-threatening complication.
Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Treatment includes taking diabetes medicines, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, which was formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin shots or using an insulin pump, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

How Diabetes Works and Its Different Types

After eating a meal, food is digested and broken down for absorption. As these compounds are absorbed, they are released for transport into the bloodstream. Foods are broken down into a variety of nutrients, such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Foods that contain naturally occurring or added sugars and carbohydrates break down into glucose. As they are released into the bloodstream after digestion, blood glucose level rise. As blood glucose rises, the pancreas is signaled to secrete insulin. Although insulin is constantly being secreted in small amounts, eating triggers an increase in the insulin that is released. The insulin attaches to cells and allows the glucose to enter, as a key unlocks a door and lets you in. The glucose provides the necessary energy for cells to carry out their biological duties. When we take in more glucose than our cells need for energy, the excess glucose is sent to the liver for storage. This stored glucose can be used for energy when our blood glucose levels fall lower than they should - such as between meals, when we are exercising for long periods, or when we fast.

As sugar is removed from the bloodstream through this process, blood glucose levels drop and, in turn, insulin decreases. When we begin to eat again, the liver is signaled to halt the release of its sugar reserve, and blood glucose levels return to a normal range. Now armed with this information, we can look more closely at the various types of diabetes.