Is it Type 1 Or Type 2 Diabetes?

The distinction between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes used to be a simple one. The older literature refers to Type 1 diabetes as juvenile onset, or insulin-dependent, diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is referred to as adult onset, or non-insulin dependent, diabetes. Now the distinctions have become blurred as children begin to get Type 2 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes is sometimes treated with insulin.

Making a distinction between the two is important because Type 2 diabetes can be treated successfully with weight loss, exercise, and oral medications. Type 1 is treated with insulin exclusively. Type 1 diabetics can get a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, although this is rare in Type 2.

The causes of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are different. Type 1 is what is termed an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body's immune system attacks the beta cells of the pancreas, where insulin is produced. That is why patients with Type 1 have very low levels of insulin or no insulin being produced by their body. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insensitivity to insulin and actually, in the early stages of this condition, body insulin levels are high.

The function of insulin is to let glucose (sugar) enter into the cells, where it can be used for energy. In Type 1, glucose cannot get into the cells because there is little or no insulin to let it in. In Type 2, glucose is unable to enter your body's cells because the cells are insensitive to insulin. That is why in both cases blood sugar is higher than normal, and diabetes is diagnosed, although the two types of diabetes could actually be considered two different diseases.

The distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be made with a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with diabetes, your physician is likely to ask if diabetes runs in your family, and, if so, what kind and how your relative was treated.

Health history might include:

• mother's age at the time of your birth and your birth weight
• problems with your mother's pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
• viral illnesses and other diagnoses

Physical examination is likely to include:

• pulse and blood pressure
• height
• weight, and
• possibly your waist measurement
• laboratory testing can include not only a fasting blood sugar level, but blood insulin level as well

When you or a family member is suspected of having diabetes, be prepared to give a good medical and family history, and understand what is being diagnosed so that you can participate in decisions regarding the care required to lose weight and to gain lower blood sugar levels.

Would you like more information about alternative ways to handle your type 2 diabetes?

To download your free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions... its based on questions many diabetics have asked me over recent months.

Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your type 2 diabetes.
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