6.4.7 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes):

• Usually occurs early in life.
• Caused by the immune system attacking and destroying beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in no insulin production.
• Symptoms include high blood glucose levels, excessive urination, extreme thirst, and weight loss.
• Treatment involves:
  • Self-injecting insulin, with doses carefully matched to diet and exercise.
  • Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes):

• Typically develops later in life, often associated with obesity and poor diet.
• Caused by:
  • Reduced insulin production by the pancreas.
  • Target cells becoming unresponsive to insulin due to damaged glycoprotein receptors.
• Symptoms are often milder than Type 1 but include fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination.
• Risk factors include:
  • Poor diet, obesity, and lack of exercise.
  • Genetic predisposition.
• Treatment involves:
  • Controlling blood sugar through a balanced diet and exercise.
  • In some cases, taking medication to improve insulin sensitivity or increase insulin production.

Similarities and Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes:

Feature	Type 1 Diabetes	Type 2 Diabetes
Cause	Autoimmune destruction of beta cells	Insulin resistance or reduced insulin production
Onset	Early in life (childhood or adolescence)	Later in life (adulthood)
Insulin Production	No insulin production	Reduced insulin production or unresponsiveness to insulin
Treatment	Insulin injections	Lifestyle changes, medication