Diabetes mellitus is the name given to a group of diseases, including type 1 and type 2, associated with a defect in the hormone insulin and resulting blood sugar problems. According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.6 million people in the United States, or 8 percent of the population, had diabetes as of 2007, and the numbers are growing each year. While there is no cure for either type 1 or type 2, they both have treatments that allow you to thrive even after diagnosis.
The Facts
Type 1 diabetes affects only 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases and, although it may occur at any age, most often strikes around ages 10 to 14. This type of diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin on its own, or when the body destroys its own insulin-producing cells. Either way, there is not enough insulin to get energy from food out of the blood and into your cells.
Type 2 diabetes affects 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed diabetes cases and can develop gradually for years before it's diagnosed. This type used to be called adult-onset diabetes, but it now affects people of all ages. Instead of producing inadequate insulin, type 2 generally results from the body ignoring the insulin you have---a phenomenon called insulin resistance.
Characteristics
Genes may play a role in both types of diabetes; if you have a family history, your risk goes up. Type 2 diabetes most commonly affects individuals who are overweight or obese and physically inactive. Research and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control have shown that minority groups are particularly hard-hit by type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms for both type 1 and type 2 include the following: excessive thirst, frequent urination, dehydration and weight loss. However, in type 2, the classic symptoms may go unnoticed because of the gradual development of the disease. Diagnosis depends on your blood glucose level measured by a blood draw at the doctor's office. A casual, non-fasting glucose level of greater or equal to 200 milligrams/deciliter is a positive diabetes diagnosis.
Prevention
Get daily physical activity, eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and keep your weight under control to prevent type 2 diabetes. Even if you have a family history of type 2, your healthy lifestyle can overcome your chances of getting diabetes. Unfortunately, because it's largely genetic, it is difficult to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Treatment
While insulin injections are necessary for individuals with type 1 diabetes, a balanced diet, and regular exercise may be enough to treat non-severe type 2 diabetes. A balanced diet contains carbohydrates, proteins and fats with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. If type 2 diabetes has progressed far enough, insulin injection or oral medications may be necessary.
