What are Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use food properly. To understand diabetes, you need to know how your body uses food. The food that you eat turns into sugar in the stomach and intestines. It enters the bloodstream where it is carried to your body's cells. Insulin, a natural hormone made in the pancreas, is needed to help the sugar enter your cells. Insulin is like a key, opening up the cell so it can let sugar in. After entering the cell, the sugar is used for energy. If your body produces little or no insulin, or does not properly use the insulin it does make, you have diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. All people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin, either by insulin injections or from an insulin pump.  In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes some insulin, but not enough, or the body does not properly use the insulin it does make, which is known as “insulin resistance.” Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed with exercise and a meal plan. People with type 2 diabetes may also need to take diabetes pills and/or insulin. The characteristics of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are shown below. The characteristics of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are shown below.

So if you’re on insulin or oral medication, why isn’t that enough?

Diet and exercise will always be tremendously important because they control your blood sugar levels naturally. Following your meal plan helps you take in controlled amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat—as well as the variety of vitamins and minerals your body needs. At the same time, exercise burns energy, using up some of that excess sugar in your blood. Plus, the more fit you are, the more energy you burn, even at rest. Sticking to your meal plan and staying active can mean you may need less insulin or medication to bring your blood sugar in line.

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes