What's the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Most people have heard of diabetes, but did you know there is more than one type?

Type 1 Diabetes is a disorder in which the body does not produce insulin (a hormone that aids in moving sugar from the blood to the cells).  This type of diabetes can be due to a virus or autoimmune disorder in which the body does not recognize an organ as its own and attacks it.  In this case the body attacks an organ known as the pancreas where insulin is made.

Those with Type 1 Diabetes are required to take insulin injections to move sugar from the bloodstream.  This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed before age 40.

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when insulin that the body produces is less efficient at moving sugar out of the bloodstream.  Some sugar is moved out of the blood, just not as effectively compared to a person with normal insulin efficiency.  High blood sugars are a result of this. 

Diet, exercise, weight loss, and possible medications are the treatment for this type of diabetes.  Occasionally, someone with Type 2 may be placed on insulin to better control blood sugars.  This type of diabetes is associated with physical inactivity and obesity.  Type 2 Diabetes used to be thought of as the adult onset type of diabetes.  However, an alarming rate of children are now being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

Talk with your doctor or diabetes educator to learn more about what type of diabetes you have.  Learn about what treatment is right for you.