Diabetes Mellitus, also called DM consists of two main types, simply called Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

We should take a moment to define the two types.

Type 1 diabetes, in basic terms, occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin, or stops producing insulin in sufficient quantities to regulate the blood’s glucose level

Type 2 diabetes differs from Type 1, in that the pancreas still secretes insulin, but the body, is to varying degrees, unable to utilize the insulin to properly regulate glucose levels in the blood. Sometimes referred to as insulin resistance, the body tries to compensate by secreting ever-increasing amounts of insulin. When the point is reached that the pancreas fails to secrete enough insulin to overcome the body’s resistance, you have the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes represent roughly 90% of DM patients, with the remaining 10% suffering from Type 1 diabetes.

The etiology (cause) of Type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system actually attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This autoimmune response may be hereditary, although the available data points to the genetic factor being more profound in Type 2 diabetes. One thing is certain, Type 1 diabetes occurs with greater frequency in people of Northern European descent, especially Finland and Sardinia. It is relatively rare in people of Asian descent. Also worth noting is the fact that it is slightly more prevalent in men.

The etiology of Type 2 diabetes is more complex. Certainly genetic factors are extremely significant, and genetics may explain the existence of the body’s insulin resistance. There are a multitude of other factors associated with the onset of Type 2 diabetes and they include, high blood pressure, high blood triglyceride levels, gestational diabetes (giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds), high fat diets, high alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and advancing age.

Symptoms common to both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include, unexplained weight loss, excessive urination, fatigue, excessive thirst, blurry vision, infections, slow wound healing and excessive food intake.

In conclusion, we will examine available treatments for each type of DM.

Type 1 DM is treated primarily with insulin injections. Insulin cannot be taken orally. Patients usually inject themselves or at the very least, know how to inject themselves. These injections are usually a combination of short and long acting insulin types. A healthy diet and regular exercise are important components of treatment as well.

Treatment of Type 2 DM is more challenging in many ways. Initially the physician may try to bring the disease under control through a strict diet and exercise regimen, especially if the patient is overweight.

If this fails, the physician will add oral medication to the regimen, typically a sulfonylurea or biguanide.

Finally, insulin injections in conjunction with oral medications may be the only means to bring the patient’s DM under control.

There is currently no means of preventing Type 1 diabetes, which is 10% of DM cases. However, Type 2 diabetes may be prevented and this is very significant because 90% of DM patients suffer Type 2 diabetes.

Some proven preventative measures include, maintaining an appropriate weight to height ratio, eating a low-fat, high fiber diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and taking proper care of existing medical conditions.

Author Bio: Winston P. McDonald enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells cherokee scrubs and baby phat scrubs as well as a host of additional products.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: diabetes, diabetes mellitus, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes