Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

 

 
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? Although there are many similarities between type on and type e diabetes there also are some striking differences. Type 1 diabetes is when you are insulin dependent. Meaning your pancreas has lost its ability to to produce the proper amount of insulin that your body naturally needs. With type 2 diabetes your pancreas is at least initially able to produce the amount of insulin that you need, but your body is not using it properly.  We are going to go into much more detail in the following paragraphs.
 

Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes – Type 1 Diabetes

 
Type 1 diabetes normally occurs at an early age and used to be called juvenile diabetes. Other classic symptoms which generally go hand in hand with type 1 are excessive and frequent urination, urge to drink large volumes of water because of the lack of liquids due to excessive urination, hunger spells which can result in excessive eating and weight loss despite eating more food.
 

 
We have the above symptoms as a result of excessive levels of glucose in our blood stream. The effects of diabetes does not allow this glucose to be removed and used as energy.  Before the food we eat can be used to energize our cells it must be turning in to glucose.  Insulin is produced by the pancreas and it is essential in allowing the glucose to be used by our cells.
 
In type 1 diabetes our body has a lack of sufficient amounts of  insulin.  Without the proper amount of insulin, the glucose in our blood builds up. Our body requires insulin to utilize and allow the glucose to be used.  Therefore type 1 requires insulin to be supplemented and is further know as insulin dependent diabetes.  Insulin is normally is normally injected by the means of a shot.
 

Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes – Type 2 Diabetes

 
Another difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 2 diabetes normally shows up in middle or later ages and was once know as adult onset diabetes.  The largest percentage (at least 90%) of all diabetics are type 2.  Normally the type 2 diabetic is not going to experience the same symptoms as described above for the type 1 diabetic.  It is normally discovered when seeing the results of a routine lab exam.  This why having an annual physical can really pay off.
 
The test described above is called a fasting blood glucose test.  You will be asked to fast (go without food) for 10 to 12 hours before you show up at your doctors office to have some blood drawn.  This sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to determine the level of glucose in your blood.  Since you have been fasting they are looking at how your body is utilizing the glucose in your blood.
 
Normal readings for the blood glucose test  are 70 – 99 mg/dL.  Reading of 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL are considered pre diabetes and readings 126 mg/dL and above are considered diabetic.  Pre diabetes means you are on the way and at risk of becoming diabetic.
 
If you have been tested and discovered that you are pre diabetes or type 1 diabetic, you definitely need to be concerned, but all is not lost.  Given that knowledge there is much that you can do to protect your health.    Additional articles presented on this site will go into more details on this subject.  Learning and knowing the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is crucial for you to improve and maintain your health.