Diabetes
There are two basic types of diabetes, type 1, which used to be referred to asjuvenile diabetes, and type 2, also known as adult onset diabetes. With type1, the body’s own immune system attacks the insulin producing cells within the pancreas, leaving the body unable to naturally lower the amount of sugars, or glucose, in the bloodstream.
Unlike type 1, insulin is still produced in people with type 2 diabetes, although the body isn’t able to recognize or utilize the insulin properly. This causes a condition known as insulin-resistance, where the glucose isn’t able to enter the cells, but instead builds up in the bloodstream, leaving the cells unable to function correctly.
Causes
The exact causes for type 1 diabetes are still not known. Researchers do know that genetics may play a role, as well as being exposed to certain types of viruses that may ultimately trigger the onset of the disease. Although not every person with type 2 diabetes is overweight, being obese and getting a lack of exercise are two of the most common causes of the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the U.S., these two factors together are responsible for over 90% of all cases of diabetes.
