Type 1 vs. Type 2

You may have heard the terms: type 1 and/or type 2 diabetes. Many assume that because the word "diabetes" is tact on the end, that type 1 and type 2 are the same. Well, they are NOT! They are very different in cause, management and control. Here are some facts as to not confuse the two.


Type 2 Diabetes:
-more common in adults aged 50 and older (although it can occur in children and adolescents as well).
-caused by being overweight, obese, poor diet, or lack of exercise. 80 percent of type 2 are overweight.
-Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95% of all diabetes cases in America.
-most people with type 2 diabetes are still able to produce insulin and don't need insulin shots every time they eat (or at all).
-Individuals who have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes have 10 to 15% chance of developing the disease.
-Hypertension. High blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
-Poor cholesterol profile. HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) levels of 35 or lower and/or triglyceride levels of 250 or higher.
-Approximately 18.4% of Americans over age 65 have type 2 diabetes.
-Treatment: mainly controlled with diet, exercise, and/or oral medications, but some need insulin injections and blood sugar testing.


Type 1 Diabetes:
-an autoimmune disease that affects 0.3% on average.
-a result of destruction of beta cells in the pancreas resulting in the body no longer able to produce insulin.
-may be genetic, due to poor diet, or a virus, toxin, or drug affecting the pancreas.
-A child that has a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes has a 2 to 6% risk of developing the disease. 80% of people with type 1 diabetes do not have another relative with type 1 diabetes.
-exposure to cow’s milk or cow’s milk-based formula before one year of age may increase diabetes risk.
-Treatment: insulin injections with syringe or pump, blood sugar testing, carb counting, exercise.

Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes:
-about 10-15% in United States are suffering with juvenile diabetes.
-Approximately 35 American children are diagnosed with juvenile diabetes every day.
-Nearly 21 percent of the population will develop diabetes. Less than .05 percent will develop juvenile diabetes.