There are two common types of diabetes; type 1 and type 2. Healthcare professionals perform certain test to determine a diabetic diagnosis. The test will not only confirm diagnosis, but also identify the type of diabetes that the individual has developed. Treatment of diabetes begins immediately and must be maintained to avoid additional life-threatening complications.
There are several risks factors for developing both types of diabetes. A type 1 diabetic is usually children or young adults. It is also more common in people of Caucasian background. Also known as juvenile diabetes, it accounts for about 5 to 10% of all diagnosed cases in America. It develops as a result of the insulin beta cells in the pancreas ultimately failing to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that assists the cells of the body to utilize the blood sugar (glucose) for energy.
As it is reported, there is generally genetic predisposition for developing juvenile diabetes. However, the pre- existing belief is that the etiology is environmental or related to a series of triggers, such as virus, toxins, or drugs. Genetic predispositions may include family history, autoimmune diseases (thyroid or celiac), early cessation of breastfeeding and/or exposure to cows milk, ethnicity, and/or history of childhood viruses.
Treatment of diabetes, specifically type 1 requires insulin therapy to supplement the shortage in insulin production of the pancreas. Treatment goals for juvenile diabetes include maintaining blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Other factors, such as nutrition, exercise, and healthy weight also impact blood glucose levels. Inevitably, all these factors, if maintained, may influence or prevent long term complications.
Type 2 diabetes, common in adults aged 40 or older, is the most prevalent form of this condition. Unlike type 1, it generally maneuvers in people of African- American, Asian-American, and Latino descents. Also referred to as adult onset diabetes, it accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes cases in the United States. Adult onset diabetes is still able to produce insulin, yet the insulin is not capable of helping the cells of the body move the glucose through the bloodstream for energy. This is referred to as insulin resistance.
Type 2 diabetes has a strong hereditary component. The exact causes of this type have not been established, yet external factors have been pinpointed thus far. For example, if an individual has a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, there is a 10-15% chance of inheriting the disease. Environmental factors may trigger the onset of type 2 diabetes. These environmental factors, such as inactive lifestyle or poor diet will enhance onset; especially for those individuals with a genetic tendency towards the disease.
Treatment of diabetes requires a long term commitment to living a healthy lifestyle. When treating type 2 diabetes, it is important that the individual makes dire dietary change, to include an exercise regimen. Furthermore, good nutrition; monitoring of carbohydrate level and fat intake contributes to successful type 2 diabetes treatment. Depending upon the persistence of the disease, some individuals may require regular insulin injections to keep the blood glucose levels in control. Other diabetic patients may need oral medications when diet and exercise alone aren't enough.
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