What is diabetes?
What is Type 1 diabetes?
What is type 2 diabetes?
The correct answer and explanation is:
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an essential source of energy for the cells in the body, but when insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas) is not working effectively, blood sugar levels can rise to unhealthy levels. This leads to a variety of complications, affecting organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
There are two main types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2—which have different causes and management strategies.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes (formerly called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes) is an autoimmune condition. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This form of diabetes usually develops in children, adolescents, or young adults, although it can develop at any age.
- Cause: Autoimmune attack on pancreas.
- Management: People with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to regulate their blood glucose levels. This can be administered through injections or insulin pumps.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and usually develops over time. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin. Unlike Type 1, where there is little or no insulin production, people with Type 2 diabetes produce insulin but their body doesn’t use it efficiently. It is most commonly seen in adults, though it can occur at any age, especially with a sedentary lifestyle or poor diet.
- Cause: Insulin resistance and/or insufficient insulin production.
- Management: Type 2 diabetes can often be managed through lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) and oral medications. In more severe cases, insulin therapy may be required.
Key Differences:
- Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin is not produced at all.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin is produced, but the body cannot use it effectively (insulin resistance).
Both conditions require management to prevent complications, but their causes, risk factors, and treatments differ significantly.