What Are Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes ?

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Jen Carter

Jens daughter was diagnosed as diabetic, age 11. Read about her families experiences at her Diabetes blog. Jen shares their favourite diabetic recipes.

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Confusing isn't it ? Everyone knows that diabetes is something that means you shouldn't be eating sugar - but just what are type 1 and type 2 diabetes ?

Juvenile or Type 1 Diabetes

The alternative name gives you a clue - it's called juvenile diabetes. This is because it seems to mainly occur in children or adults under the age of 40.

The cause is thought to be an auto-immune response where the body attacks the cells which produce insulin. With the body unable to produce it's own insulin, it is unable to break down and use the sugar in the body to make energy.

Hence, typical symptoms of a newly diagnosed diabetic include:-

- tiredness
- loss of weight
- frequent urination

Diagnosis can be fairly swift, your doctor can test a small drop of blood (usually just a small prick from your finger) to see if you may be diabetic. There's also a tell-tale smell of peardrops on the breath.

Type 2 Diabetes

Whilst this used to occur in older individuals, this is increasingly being diagnosed in children.

Confusing isn't it ? Everyone knows that diabetes is something that means you shouldn't be eating sugar - but just what are type 1 and type 2 diabetes ?

Juvenile or Type 1 Diabetes

The alternative name gives you a clue - it's called juvenile diabetes. This is because it seems to mainly occur in children or adults under the age of 40.

The cause is thought to be an auto-immune response where the body attacks the cells which produce insulin. With the body unable to produce it's own insulin, it is unable to break down and use the sugar in the body to make energy.

Hence, typical symptoms of a newly diagnosed diabetic include:-

- tiredness
- loss of weight
- frequent urination

Diagnosis can be fairly swift, your doctor can test a small drop of blood (usually just a small prick from your finger) to see if you may be diabetic. There's also a tell-tale smell of peardrops on the breath.

This type of diabetes is treated with insulin as the body is no longer producing any of it's own.

Type 2 Diabetes

This is associated with individuals who are overweight and less physically active - but can occur in anyone.

Although it used to be associated with older people, due to childhood obesity, it is increasingly being diagnosed in children who are seriously overweight.

Type 2 diabetes can often be treated with diet and lifestyle changes - although some people do take tablets in addition.

Health Risks

Both types of diabetic run the risk of additional health complications if their diabetes is not well controlled.

It's important to adhere to medical advice regarding diet and exercise if you're to avoid the worst of these health problems, which can include damage to eyesight (including blindness), strokes & heart disease.

Just Been Diagnosed?

If you've just been diagnosed, one of the most helpful things that you can do is to find out more about the condition.

If you have a child, try the popular "childrenwithdiabetes.com" forums and chat with other parents. Also, sign up to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to find out what you can do to help your child and what is happening in the field of research.

Join national organisations, for example, the American Diabetes Association or Diabetes UK, for support and information on diet, treatments and health care.

There are some great support organisations, so make the best use of them to help get informed about what you can do to make the most of your health.