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It all starts in the Pancreas. The Pancreas creates glucose (sugar) for the body to use. However, glucose is only helpful if it is in the body's cells. As glucose flows throughout the blood, insulin is the key that opens the doors for glucose to enter the cell. However, diabetes inhibits insulin from opening the door because diabetes either causes the body not to make or misuses insulin. Diabetes is the most chronic condition in the US, and since it affects much of the population, it is essential to understand the concepts behind the types of diabetes.
Type 1
Type 1
Affects 1.3 Million People in the US
Autoimmune Disorder
Body Does Not Make Insulin
Need to Take Insulin
Affects Kids as Young as Four
Type 2
Type 2
Affects 37 Million People in the US
Hormonal Disorder
Body makes insulin; however, body doesn't respond to it
Sometimes need to take Insulin
More common in adults, but becoming present in kids
Type 1 Causes
Type 1 Causes
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body attacks its own immune system by mistake. With Type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakes cells in the pancreas for invaders; the immune system attacks insulin-making cells, destroying the natural ability to produce insulin.
Type 2 Causes
Type 2 Causes
Type 2 Diabetes is a hormonal disorder. The body does not destroy insulin in type 2 diabetes; however, insulin cannot be used properly. This is otherwise known as Insulin Resistance. In the early stages, the pancreas creates too much insulin to try and get the body to accept the insulin; however, over time, the pancreas gives up, eventually producing no insulin.
Managing Type 1
Managing Type 1
Must take Synthetic Insulin Medication
Insulin is needed since the body doesn't produce it
Managing Type 2
Managing Type 2
May take Synthetic Insulin if pancreas has stopped producing insulin
Other medications may be used to manage
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