Diabetes, otherwise known as Diabetes mellitus, is a chronic metabolic disease which results in high blood sugar, otherwise known as high blood glucose.
There are two primary types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes:
– Also known as insulin-dependent diabetes.
– Characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin as it normally would.
– Requires life-long administration of insulin to manage the condition.
Type 2 Diabetes:
– Also known as adult-onset diabetes (however, this type is now being seen in children as well).
– Characterized by the pancreas not functioning properly. Although it is still be producing some insulin, it’s not enough to do it’s job.
– May be able to be managed by lifestyle changes such as diet and physical activity alone, however, medication may also be required in some instances.
So, to further clarify the difference…
In Type 1 diabetes, insulin is not being produced, while in Type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced but is not working as it should. In both instances, this is known as Insulin Resistance where cells in the body are unable to take in glucose due to issues with insulin production and function.
What exactly is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone, which is responsible for allowing glucose molecules to enter cells. In instances of diabetes, the hormone insulin is either not produced (Type 1) or does not respond properly (Type 2), which therefore restricts glucose from entering into the cells. This is a problem because cells utilize glucose as their primary fuel source. If glucose is unable to enter cells, then cells are unable to utilize glucose for the energy they require.
Let’s talk a bit more about glucose and why it is important
As mentioned, glucose is the primary source of energy for cells in the body. When diabetes is not present, cells are able to easily take in glucose molecules with the help of the insulin hormone to then create energy to support various biological functions. However, the inability of glucose to enter cells in those with diabetes due to issues with insulin results in the cells being unable to take in glucose and therefore being unable to utilize this energy as fuel to support biological functions. This is problematic and can result in very serious health concerns over time if it is not addressed through interventions such as lifestyle changes (nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, etc.) and/or medications.
Dangers of keeping diabetes untreated
When insulin is not performing its job properly, which is to take up glucose into cells, then glucose molecules accumulate in the blood stream. Eventually, the pooling of glucose in the blood can lead to a state of ketosis, which results when the body shifts to using fats (instead of glucose aka carbohydrates) as its primary energy source. In this process, chemicals called ketones or ketone bodies are produced, which can be dangerous in high amounts. As glucose is restricted from entering cells, ketone bodies will continue to increase, which can result in a low blood pH (blood that is more acidic). This can then lead to a condition known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in individuals who have untreated diabetes. This is why it’s important to identify diabetes early on and to treat it in order to prevent these complications from potentially occurring.
General Treatments for Diabetes
The type of treatment is dependent on the type of diabetes, as well as many other factors that are specific to the individual. The goal of both types is to balance blood sugar levels in order to prevent health complications.
Education around diabetes and lifestyle factors are essential to managing both types of diabetes, however, there are key differences for effective management between the two.
Type 2 Diabetes can often be managed through lifestyle modifications, but in some instances, medications may be needed to effectivity manage blood sugar levels. Type 1 Diabetes, however, requires life-long insulin administration in order to control blood sugars and manage diabetes. This is due to insulin not being produced at all in cases of Type 1.
Overall, both types of diabetes can be managed with proper education, tools, and support from a dietitian and medical professional. If you are looking for more information on Diabetes or support in managing diabetes, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Disclaimer: This information is for education purposes only and is not intended as nutrition or medical advice.
