Article by Dan Wilson

Diabetes is a complicated disease that requires close monitoring. But when it is properly treated, it can be managed and controlled. A diabetic can live a long and happy life even with the disease.

There are two main types of diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes is often referred to as juvenile-onset diabetes. The second type is often called adult-onset diabetes or Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both types are characterized by the body having issues with insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Though having varying pathologies in details, both conditions result in abnormalities in blood sugar levels in the patients.

In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The pancreas loses its ability to produce the hormone because of autoimmunity, a condition which the body attacks itself. Therefore, the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin and destroys them. Type 1 diabetes is incurable. Its causes are hard to determine. Most scientists think there is a genetic or hereditary link. But, even if you do have the genes, there is still no certainty of you developing Type 1 diabetes. Often a trigger is needed, such as catching a virus.

One cannot prevent Type 1 diabetes from developing and one cannot predict for sure who will get it. Once diagnosed, it is there for life, and one must then treat it and learn to live with it. Fortunately, there are plenty of effective treatment options available. Treatments such as insulin injections that help keep control blood sugar levels and keep the patient healthy. An insulin pump can also be used to a great effect to control the levels of glucose for Type 1 diabetics.

Types of DiabetesLearn the different types of diabetes, its effects and the ways on how to prevent them.Childhood DiabetesYour children can be a victim of this devastating disease. Learn why children are becoming more prone to diabetes.Diabetes TreatmentLearn the different ways in treating diabetes in order to live a longer and happy life.