Types of Diabetes

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body’s inability to produce any or enough insulin causes elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. When beta cells are destroyed, the body produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to transform sugar (glucose) into energy. The result: The blood glucose rises to dangerous levels, and diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition, may result. Over time, high blood glucose levels can lead to retinopathy, neuropathy, and heart disease. There is no cure for diabetes, but treatment focused on maintaining blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible can prevent complications. People with type 1 diabetes keep their blood glucose levels in a healthy range by giving themselves multiple injections of insulin each day, monitoring their blood glucose levels, following a meal plan, and exercising regularly.

Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes generally occurs in childhood or young adulthood, though the disease may have its onset at any age. It’s much less common than type 2 diabetes, accounting for about 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Some symptoms of type 1 diabetes are excess thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, extreme fatigue, extreme hunger, and weight loss.

 

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes is marked by both insulin resistance (the body is resistant to the insulin it produces)and insulin deficiency (the body produces some insulin, but not enough to overcome insulin resistance). Since insulin is unable to transport sugar (glucose) to the body’s cells for use as energy, glucose levels in the blood become elevated. Over time, high blood glucose can lead to serious complications of diabetes like retinopathy, neuropathy, and heart disease. There is no cure for diabetes, but complications can be prevented or delayed thanks to treatment focused on controlling blood glucose levels with a healthy diet, regular exercise, oral medications, and insulin when required. People with type 2 diabetes are also at an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. For this reason, adequate treatment for elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels—both of which increase a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke—is essential.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes typically occurs in middle-aged and older adults, although an alarmingly high percentage of new cases are seen in adolescents and young adults. Many people who develop type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. A family history, especially in first-degree relatives, also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In the United States, it is estimated that 23.6 million people have diabetes, and about 20 percent of those remain undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes represents about 90 to 95 percent of cases of diagnosed diabetes. People of African American, Hispanic, or Native American origin have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than whites. Some symptoms of type 2 diabetes are excess thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, fatigue, and recurrent skin and urinary tract infections.

 

Gestational Diabetes

During pregnancy – usually around the 24th week – many women develop gestational diabetes. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes doesn’t mean that you had diabetes before you conceived, or that you will have diabetes after giving birth. But it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice regarding blood glucose (blood sugar) levels while you’re planning your pregnancy, so you and your baby both remain healthy.

 

Inspiration Story

We Ride to Stop Diabetes