To understand the different types of diabetes, it is important to understand how the body processes sugar. In general, terms, when a person consumes carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream. At the same time, the pancreas produces insulin and adds it to the bloodstream. The insulin facilitates getting the sugar into the individual cells so that the cells can then produce the energy they need.
All diabetics need to check their blood glucose level (also called …show more content…
Without insulin, the glucose cannot enter the cells and stays in the bloodstream. This results in a higher concentration of glucose in the bloodstream. It also affects the individual cells in that they cannot produce energy.
With type 1 diabetes, it is necessary to take insulin injections. The insulin is injected into fatty places on the body. The insulin then enters the bloodstream and assists the glucose getting into the cells. There are several types of insulin that are used in combination to give the best coverage for what the person eats. Without insulin, a type 1 diabetic will die.
In type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, the person's pancreas produces enough insulin, but the body is not able to use it properly. This is called insulin resistance. This creates the same high concentration of glucose in the bloodstream that type 1 diabetics have.
Type 2 diabetics have more options when it comes to treatment. Since the body is producing insulin, it may not be necessary to inject more. Some type 2 diabetics can be treated with only diet and exercise. There are several oral medications that can help reduce the insulin resistance. There are some type 2 diabetics that need to take insulin injections, even though they produce