Diabetes: There’s more than One Type

We’ve been hearing a lot in the news lately about type II diabetes.  More and more people are being diagnosed, but many people still don’t really know what it is until their doctor tells them.  It’s especially important to be informed about the different types of diabetes because Type II is very likely preventable and both types are dangerous if not caught early and treated. 

Type I

Type I diabetes is also know as juvenile diabetes; however this name can be misleading.  People up to age 40 have been diagnosed with this type of diabetes and once symptoms begin, you require treatment for the rest of your life.  With this type of diabetes, your body can no longer produce insulin.  If you don’t have insulin, your body can’t transport sugar out of the blood and into the cells to be stored or used as energy. 

The specific cause of type I diabetes is unknown, but it is now believed to be triggered by a virus that causes the body to attack and kill the cells that produce insulin.
 
Symptoms of Type I diabetes include being continually thirsty, dry mouth, frequent urination, weight loss, feeling weak, and blurred vision.  These symptoms usually occur suddenly.

The treatment for this type of diabetes is to regularly test blood sugar and inject yourself with insulin to keep sugar levels in check. 

Type II

Type II diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes, although this name can also be misleading as well.  While the risk of developing type II diabetes increases with age, children have been diagnosed with this type of diabetes.  Usually these children are severely obese.  In type II diabetes, the body still produces insulin, but the body has become immune and no longer produces the correct response. 

Unlike type I diabetes, type II is currently most often preventable.  While some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing type II diabetes, very few people who eat right, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight ever develop this type of diabetes.  

Symptoms of Type II diabetes include blurred vision, slow healing rate, itchy skin, being continually thirsty, dry mouth, urinating frequently, and leg pain.  Unlike Type I diabetes, these symptoms develop slowly and you may not even notice them until they become severe.

Since people with type II diabetes already produce insulin, injecting more insulin would do them no good.  That’s why it is generally treated with a specific diet including high protein and complex carbohydrates.  It usually reduces or totally eliminates simple sugars.  In severe cases, people may be helped by taking medications, although treatment through diet is usually preferred. 

Whether you have Type I or II diabetes, it is important to get proper diagnosis and treatment.  Please see a doctor if you have or think you may have either of these disorders.