krista low resDiabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is vital to your health because it’s an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It’s also your brain’s main source of fuel.  Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Many people ask, “What is the difference between type 1 and 2?” Type 1 diabetes wipes a person clean of any insulin being able to transport energy through cells.  As a result, this affects the pancreas from being able to produce any insulin in the cells and pancreas. Type 2 diabetes, which is also related to pre-diabetes is an increased buildup of sugar in the bloodstream, making it difficult for a person’s pancreas to produce enough insulin. Weight plays a huge role in the development of type 2 diabetes; you don’t have to be overweight to develop type 2 diabetes, and many that are underweight can also develop type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes:

  • Family history
  • Environmental factors
  • Dietary factors and geography (for instance Finland and Sweden are rated as two of the top countries that have the highest rates for type 1 diabetes)

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes:

  • Weight
  • Inactivity
  • Family History
  • Race
  • Age

How Does Insulin Work?

Insulin is a hormone. Insulin is produced from a gland that is located in the pancreas. Insulin is developed in the pancreas which then travels through the bloodstream. Insulin circulates which then allows glucose to enter the cells in your body. Insulin decreases the level of sugar in your bloodstream.

The Role of Glucose

Glucose comes from two major sources: food and liver. Insulin helps sugar that is absorbed to enter the bloodstream.

Complications of Diabetes

  • Cardio Vascular Disease
  • Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
  • Kidney Damage
  • Eye Damage (Retinopathy)
  • Foot Damage
  • Skin Conditions
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Alzheimer’s Disease

Although type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, it typically appears during childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, can develop at any age, though it’s more common in people older than 40 years of age. If you suspect you or anyone in your family may have diabetes, address it to your doctor as soon as possible, the sooner it’s detected, the better.

Some Signs and Symptoms of Type 1 and 2 Diabetes

  • Increased Thirst
  • Frequent Urination
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Blurred Vision
  • Slow-Healing Sores

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes progress faster than type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes are mainly based on the elevation of your blood sugar level.

Reference Page

Diabetes Causes-Mayo Clinic

Diabetes Symptoms-Mayo Clinic

Diabetes Complications-Mayo Clinic

Diabetes Risk Factors-Mayo Clinic

Diabetes Facts and Information-Joslin Diabetes Center

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.