Type 2 diabetes is a common condition caused by an insufficient amount of insulin produced by the pancreas. This results in a higher blood sugar level, a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. While type 2 diabetes typically affects adults, it can also affect children. It’s most common among people of Indigenous or African descent. People of Hispanic or Asian descent are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
When diabetes is not controlled, high blood sugar levels in the blood cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels. This damage cannot be reversed, but diabetes control can help prevent further damage. Diabetes also results in hardening of the arteries in the feet, which decreases the blood flow to that area. Foot sores can develop as a result of even small injuries and infections. If left untreated, the infection may become serious enough to cause amputation.
Type 2 diabetes can also be caused by a low “good” cholesterol level and high triglyceride levels. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis – a buildup of plaque in arteries causing atherosclerosis – which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, 67% of diabetics die of heart disease. While many risk factors can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, lifestyle choices, genetics, and family history are all important considerations.
Type 1 diabetes is a form of autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks beta cells in the pancreas. This results in high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance in muscle, fat, and liver cells. As a result, glucose cannot enter these cells effectively and builds up in the bloodstream. Diabetes is caused by excessive levels of glucose in the blood and can lead to a number of other complications, including death.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of the hormone insulin in the body. The result is high blood sugar, but not enough insulin in the cells. The pancreas releases a hormone called insulin to signal the body to use glucose. It’s not possible to get enough insulin in the bloodstream, so diabetes occurs when the pancreas is not able to use it properly. As a result, the blood glucose level increases, and the body has to produce more insulin.
Both types of diabetes affect children. Type 2 is more common among kids, while type 1 usually affects adults. Type 2 diabetes in children has many of the same symptoms as type 1, including excessive thirst and wetting the bed. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can lead to lifelong complications. By addressing the causes early, type 2 can be avoided and a healthy lifestyle can be maintained for a child’s entire life. If diagnosed early, diabetes can be managed successfully and prevented before it progresses to a stage that requires insulin treatment.
Preeclampsia is a condition in which a pregnancy has high blood pressure, resulting in gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is usually more dangerous than gestational diabetes. Both types may require surgery to deliver the baby, and women who experience either type may be at risk for severe medical problems. While diabetes may have numerous causes, lifestyle changes and medications can help manage it. If you have type 1 diabetes, the main medication prescribed by your doctor is insulin.
