Two Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which a person has a high glucose (blood sugar) level. This is probably because the body cells do not produce or properly use insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that is needed by the body to convert sugar, starches, and other food sources into energy needed for daily life.

The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although studies have shown that both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

Type 1 Diabetes
Results from the body’s failure to produce insulin. People suffering from this requires insulin injection. Hate needles? You will have to deal with that fear if you know you have type 1 diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms
 • High glucose levels in the blood
 • High glucose levels in the urine
 • Frequent urination (bed-wetting in children)
 • Often times hungry
 • Always thirsty
 • Sudden weight loss
 • Weakness and tiredness
 • Irritability and mood swings
 • Nausea and vomiting

Type 2 Diabetes
The most common form of diabetes, results from insulin resistance – a condition wherein the body fails to properly use insulin, combined with relative insulin deficiency. In type 2, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells completely ignore the insulin.

Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic energy source for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause serious complications such as heart disease, loss of sight, and kidney problems.

An anti-diabetes drug that fights insulin resistance is important in managing type 2 diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms
 • Blurred vision
 • Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands, legs or feet
 • Dry itchy skin
 • Slow healing of wounds
 • Erectile dysfunction in men
 • Vaginitis in women
 • Drowsiness