TYPES OF DIABETES

There are two types of diabetes. These are called Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes is also known as Juvenile or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). This is the commonest form of diabetes in young children.

In Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, the beta cells in the pancreas do not make insulin. The person has to take insulin by injection.

   

Type 2 or Adult onset diabetes mellitus or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) occurs more often in adults, especially if they are obese, although now more and more young children are also developing this form of diabetes. In persons with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, some of the beta cells still produce insulin. In fact at times they make even more insulin than normal but the body does not respond to the insulin.

People with Type 2 diabetes may be able to take tablets to

  • Improve their insulin production from the pancreas, or
  • Improve the action of the insulin on the cells.
    Sometimes, the person must take shots of insulin.

So the blood sugar is high in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but the reason for this is different.
Patients with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce their own insulin and hence need to take insulin, which is only available as injections at this time.
Those with Type 2 diabetes can produce their own insulin, although they may need tablets to improve their insulin production, or to improve the effect of their insulin.
 CAUSES OF DIABETES

Type 1 or childhood diabetes occurs because the beta cells in the pancreas stop working. This happens because antibodies that are normally supposed to protect our body by fighting infection are produced against the pancreas. These antibodies treat the pancreas like an enemy and destroy the beta cells. Hence Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This may occur because of certain viral infections. It is believed that when one develops a viral infection, the body in an attempt to kill the virus starts making antibodies against its own cells (beta cells) by mistake and destroys the beta cells.
One does not inherit Type 1 diabetes, but inherits the tendency to develop these antibodies. Therefore you may develop it even if nobody else in your family has diabetes. You will seldom find several affected members in a family unlike Type 2 diabetes.

 

Type 2 diabetes or NIDDM (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus ) tends to be inherited. One acquires the gene for diabetes from one or both parents just as we inherit the color of our skin, eyes etc. Obese people have a higher risk of developing this type of diabetes because of the poor response to insulin. This type of diabetes tends to run in families and you may find several affected members in a family.
 
 
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