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.

Treatment

The proper treatment, which will depend upon the type of the disease, and ongoing care are both of the utmost importance for diabetes patients. By controlling the disease, the risks of other complications are decreased. Those with type 1 diabetes will need to faithfully monitor blood sugar levels, take insulin, maintain a normal weight, and stay physically active.

The majority of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will need to take oral medication to control the levels of glucose within the blood. Along with the many types of medication available for treating diabetes, dietary changes and a regular exercise routine are usually most recommended for further controlling the disease.

People with type 2 diabetes will also have to monitor the level of sugar in the blood, possibly needing to check the number as often as once or twice per day, or as little as once or twice per week.

Prevention

Although type 1 diabetes cannot yet be prevented, having a close family member, such as a parent or sibling with diabetes increases your own risk of developing the disease. Scientists are continuing to test various methods of preventing or at least delaying this type of diabetes using oral insulin, and studying new ways of preserving one’s insulin production.

Making healthy lifestyle choices are the most important means of preventing type 2 diabetes. Besides eating right, staying active, and losing excess weight, there are many risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes that can be avoided or controlled to lessen the chances of getting the disease.

These risk factors include:

- Eating a high-fat diet

- Having high blood pressure

- Having high levels of blood triglycerides (fats)

- Having gestational diabetes, or giving birth to a baby larger than 9 pounds

- Consuming large amounts of alcohol

- Having a sedentary lifestyle with little or no regular exercise

- Being overweight or obese

- Ethnicity, African Americans, Native Americans, Japanese and Hispanic

Americans all have a higher risk of developing diabetes as opposed to non- Hispanic whites

- Having a family history of the disease

- Age, the risk rises after age 45, and then rises again considerably after age 65

Effects

Serious side effects from diabetes usually occur when a person’s glucose (blood sugar) level remains high for long periods of time. These problems usually include kidney damage and dialysis, vision problems, heart disease, blood and circulation problems, damaged nerve cells in any part of your body. And that may lead to amputation (especially feet and legs).