What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that happens when the body no longer produces enough of a hormone called insulin or the insulin it does make does not work as well as it should.
What are Glucose and Insulin and Why are They Important?
Glucose is a form of sugar that is the main source of energy for all cells in the body. The body gets glucose from eating foods containing the nutrient carbohydrate. The body can also store glucose in the liver and muscle. You can use this stored glucose for energy if you go for long periods of time without eating or if your body needs a quick burst of energy.
Insulin is a hormone made by an organ called the pancreas, located near the stomach. Insulin is needed for the body to use a sugar called glucose for energy and to keep the glucose levels in blood in a healthy range.
Diabetes changes how the body works. It is not caused by eating too much sugar! Without insulin or enough insulin, glucose cannot move out of the blood stream into the cells. Glucose then builds up in the blood and this results in high blood glucose levels or “hyperglycemia.”
What are Common Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes and High Blood Glucose?
- Being very thirsty
- Urinating more – sometimes causing unexpected bedwetting
- Being very hungry
- Losing weight
- Feeling very tired
- Having blurry vision
Types of Diabetes
There are a few types of diabetes, but the two most common are type 1 or type 2. Children and teens can develop either of these types of diabetes, but type 1 is the most common for this age group. Adults can develop either of these types of diabetes, but type 2 diabetes is the most common in this age group.
The chart below summarizes the differences between these two types of diabetes.
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Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) |
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) |
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Why it happens |
The pancreas stops making insulin completely because the immune system attacks the cells that make it. |
The pancreas still makes insulin, but the body’s cells cannot use the insulin like they should, or the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range. |
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Occurrence |
Most common type of diabetes in children but can occur at any age. |
Most common type of diabetes overall. More common in adults but rates are increasing in children and teens. |
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Treatment |
Treatment always includes daily insulin along with a healthy diet and physical activity. |
Treatment always includes a healthy diet and increasing exercise. Medicines are often needed too. Insulin can be used to treat T2D. Other injectable or oral diabetes medicines can sometimes be used. |
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Family History |
Most of the time there is no family history. There is an increased risk of T1D if one or both of your parents have T1D. If you are a male with T1D, the odds of your child developing diabetes are 1 in 17. If you are a female with T1D and your child was born before you were 25, your child’s risk is 1 in 25; if your child was born after you turned 25, your child’s risk is 1 in 100. Your child’s risk is doubled if you developed diabetes before age 11. If both you and your partner have T1D, the risk is between 1 in 10 and 1 in 4. Researchers are learning how to predict a person’s odds of getting T1 diabetes. If a member of your family has T1D, you may be eligible for a risk screening. This screening uses a simple blood test that can detect your risk of T1D years before symptoms appear. |
Most of the time there is a family history. |
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Prevention |
There is currently no known way to completely prevent T1D. Early screening is available to identify people who are at high risk in developing T1D. Those at high risk may be eligible for a medication called teplizumab that has been shown to delay the onset of T1D by at least two years. |
Maintaining a healthy weight, daily exercise and a healthy diet may prevent or delay the onset of T2D. |
Diabetes can be managed well when good medical care is combined with good self-care. Diabetes care for T1D and T2D includes monitoring glucose levels, taking insulin or other medications as prescribed, choosing a healthy diet, moving your body often, and getting health screenings as recommended.
If your child is diagnosed with diabetes, they can lead a healthy and active life. With proper care, someone with diabetes can be as healthy as someone without diabetes.
