Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are two types of diabetes that affect how a person’s body processes sugar. Both forms of diabetes result in high levels of blood glucose, or sugar, in the body.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when a person’s pancreas does not produce enough insulin, the hormone that helps the body convert sugar into energy. Without enough insulin, the body cannot effectively use the sugar that enters the bloodstream, leading to high levels of glucose in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and is treated with insulin injections or an insulin pump.
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin to process the glucose in the bloodstream. It can also occur when the body does not use insulin properly, known as insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes often begins in adulthood, and is usually due to lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise and poor diet. It is often treated with oral medications and lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet and increased physical activity.
In both types of diabetes, the body cannot properly process the glucose in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. This can lead to a number of health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. To help manage blood sugar levels, people with either type of diabetes need to take insulin or medications, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
