Types of Diabetes
There are two common forms of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes happens mostly to people who are under 30 years old. This type is also known as "insulin-dependent diabetes." People with this kind of diabetes don't get insulin from their pancreas anymore, so there isn't any insulin in the blood to help unlock the cells. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin shots to get insulin into their bloodstream. This insulin unlocks the cells, allowing sugar to move out of the blood and into the cells.
Type 2 diabetes is another form of diabetes. This type is also known as "non-insulin dependent diabetes."
Though diabetes can happen at any age, most people get type 2 diabetes when they are over age 40. People with type 2 diabetes DO make insulin, but the special receptors that insulin usually binds to either don't work very well, or they don't work at all. As a result, the insulin can't unlock the cells, and sugar begins to build up in the bloodstream.
People with type 2 diabetes usually need medicine to help their body lower the amount of sugar in the blood.
Sometimes, people with type 2 diabetes also need insulin shots.
