Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are two different diseases. Both are very serious diseases that need to be monitored and managed. In general, people with type 1 diabetes have a total lack of insulin and those that have type 2 diabetes have too little insulin or cannot use insulin effectively.
Type 1 diabetes often called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes accounts for about 5-10% of the people who have diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, eventually eliminating insulin production from the body. Without insulin, our cells cannot absorb sugar (glucose), which they need to produce energy.
Type 2 diabetes sometimes called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes can develop at any age. It most often is diagnosed in adults; and until recently with the obesity epidemic, it was fairly rare in children. Now the diagnosis in children is rising. The majority of people who have diabetes have type 2 (90-95%). In type 2 diabetes, your body is not able to use insulin correctly resulting in insulin resistance. As type 2 diabetes gets worse, the pancreas makes less and less in insulin. This is called insulin deficiency.
Both types of diabetes greatly increase the risk for many serious complications. Even though monitoring and managing either type 1 or 2 can prevent complications, diabetes is still the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure. It isalso a serious risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and foot or leg amputations.
For more information regarding diabetes, lowering your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, managing your diabetes, and more, contact your health care provider or talk to a personal trainer that has worked with diabetic clients.
By: Janet Hunt
Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment.
