The more severe form of diabetes is type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes. It s sometimes called juvenile diabetes because type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and teenagers though it can develop at any age. So a person with type 1 treats the disease by taking insulin injections. This outside source of insulin now serves as the key bringing glucose to the body s cells. The challenge with this treatment is that it s often not possible to know precisely how much insulin to take. The amount is based on many factors including: Food Exercise Stress Emotions and general health Balancing Act Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks and destroys insulin producing cells meaning no insulin is produced. This causes glucose to quickly rise in the blood. Nobody knows exactly why this happens, but science tells us it’s got nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. About 10 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 1.

The most common form of diabetes is called type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes. This is also called adult onset diabetes since it typically develops after age 35. However a growing number of younger people are now developing type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 are able to produce some of their own insulin. Often its not enough. And sometimes the insulin will try to serve as the key to open the body s cells to allow the glucose to enter. But the key won t work. The cells won t open. This is called insulin resistance. Often type 2 is tied to people who are overweight, with a sedentary lifestyle. Treatment focuses on diet and exercise. If blood sugar levels are still high oral medications are used to help the body use its own insulin more efficiently. In some cases insulin injections are necessary. In Type 2 diabetes the body does n t make enough insulin, or the insulin it makes does n t work properly meaning glucose builds up in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Up to 58 per cent of Type 2 diabetes cases can be delayed or prevented through a healthy lifestyle. About 90 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 2. Causes: Genes: Scientists have found different bits of DNA that affect how your body makes insulin. Extra weight: Being overweight or obese can cause insulin resistance especially if you carry your extra pounds around the middle. Too much glucose from your liver: When your blood sugar is low your liver makes and sends out glucose. Bad communication between cells: Sometimes cells send the wrong signals or don t pick up messages correctly. When these problems affect how your cells make and use insulin or glucose a chain reaction can lead to diabetes. Symptoms: (1) Being very thirsty (2) Peeing a lot (3) Blurry vision (4) Being irritable (5) Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet (6) Feeling worn out (7) Wounds that don t heal (8) Yeast infections that keep coming back.