I know what diabetes is,....but what is type 2 diabetes?

Answer 1

Terry is correct. My daughter is a Type 1 diabetic. She was diagnosed at 9 years old and is now 18. Her body does not produce insulin at all and is therefore insulin dependent. (Mary Tyler Moore is also a Type 1 diabetic)

Type 2 diabetes is when the body makes insulin but does not use it properly and sometimes can be controlled with diet, exercise or oral medication. A Type 1 diabetic cannot control the condition with any type or oral medication.

It's confusing for most people. The two conditions should be called two different names!

I'm sure you're confused by all these conflicting answers. The American Diabetes Association has a great website you could check out.

Answer 2

There is so much inaccurate information here that I recommend you go to the American Diabetes Association site for better information.

Serena- I know you meant well, but your answer is completely backwards. Type 1 is generally diagnosed as a child and Type 2 is often diagnosed as an adult. Please do some research so you can see your mistake. I am sure it was just a misunderstanding.

In addition to the answers here that are fairly accurate, I need to add that Type 2 also has a huge genetic factor and it not always caused by obesity or old age. In my family I am the 4th generation of women to develop Type 2. I was approximately 24 when I was diagnosed so I was an adult, but certainly not over 40. I also know of a 12 years old boy diagnosed with Type 2. I was also not considered obese, though I did follow a diet typical of a 24 year old and worked so much that I did not get enough proper exercise.

Finally, I would like to add that not all Type 2 diabetics can control their blood sugar with diet and exercise. I did well the first few years, but then control became harder and harder to achieve. I was finally on the highest dosage allowed of 3 different oral meds, in addition to a strict diet and plenty of walking. I am now on insulin and doing great.

Please, if you want to understand the difference between the different types of diabetes, do some research. I know people here want to help, but their information is not always correct. Best wishes.

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

serena_morris70 is WRONG...shes got type 1 and type 2 mixed up

taken from the mayo clinic website:

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose) — your body's main source of fuel.

Type 2 diabetes develops when your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar into your cells — or when your body produces some, but not enough, insulin to maintain a normal glucose level.

Nearly 21 million people in the United States have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. About 90 percent to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. And the condition is on the rise, fueled largely by the current obesity epidemic.

The American Diabetes Association estimates that nearly one-third of people who have type 2 diabetes don't even know it. If the condition is left uncontrolled, the consequences can be life-threatening.

There's no cure for type 2 diabetes, but there's plenty you can do to manage — or prevent — the condition. Start by eating healthy foods, getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. If diet and exercise aren't enough, managing your blood sugar with medication can help you continue to live a healthy and active life.

Answer 5

1

Answer 6

The diagnosis of DIABETES means that glucose is remaining in the blood. The TYPE identifies a cause. There are 3 major types of diabetes, Type 1 which is an autoimmune disease, Type 2 which is an insulin resistance problem and Gestational, which is also caused by insulin resistance but only exists during pregnancy. There are also other types of diabetes that are less common. Type 1.5, which is also an autoimmune disease, is one that usually begins later than type 1...after 25 or so, and unlike type 1 where the onset is rapid, it can take up to 4 years for a type 1.5 to progress to insulin dependence. Many type 1.5's tend to have some insulin resistance, like type 2's, but usually are not over weight. (at least not at diagnosis). Type 1.5 is often misdiagnosed as type 2 because of the age of onset and because some of the medications tradionally given to type 2's will initially help with control. There are also causes of diabetes, like cancer or injury.

Answer 7

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that develops when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, or the body cannot use it properly, to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells, where it is used for energy. High blood sugar can harm many body systems.

Insulin helps the body use glucose for energy and store extra sugar in muscle, fat, and liver cells. The stored sugar can be released and used for energy when needed. When insulin is not available or is not used properly, the blood sugar level rises above what is safe. If blood sugar levels remain high for years, blood vessels and nerves throughout the body may be damaged, and the person is at increased risk for eye, heart, blood vessel, nerve, and kidney disease.

Common symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue, and irritability. However, in type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels rise so slowly that a person usually does not have symptoms and may have had the disease for many years before diagnosis.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. People who develop type 2 diabetes are often overweight and not physically active. It is most common in people over the age of 40 but is becoming more common in children. Type 2 diabetes was formerly called adult-onset diabetes or non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or at least delayed if a person maintains a healthy body weight and exercises regularly. Treatment focuses on keeping blood sugar and cholesterol at safe levels. A balanced diet and regular exercise are effective for many people, but some may need one or more medications, including insulin, to help control blood sugar levels.

Answer 8

There are 3 types of diabetes. Type 1 is the one that people have from the time of birth. Type 2 is usually diagnosed in people around the age of 40 but they're diagnosing more children with it now. Then there is gestational diabetes. Diabetes caused by insulin resistance in pregnancy.

Type 2 diabetes can be controlled in three ways. Exercise and diet, exercise, diet and insulin, or exercise, diet and medication.

Answer 9

all of these answers are wrong. Type 2 diabetes is the type that you are born with. Have you seen the commercial for the Juvenile Diabetes Association with Mary Tyler Moore. She says that all of these kids were born with type 2 diabetes. It is not curable. Type 1 diabetes, or just regular diabetes, usually affects adults. It can be caused by overweight as well as genetic factors. This type can be controlled with insulin. Insulin can be given in either a shot form or pill form. Type 2 diabetes however is usually not responsive to medications, and children with this type often suffer kidney problems, blindness and even death. There is also something called gestational diabetes, where diabetes is brought on with pregnacy. If not controlled, gestational diabetes can harm the child.Gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born.

Answer 10

I got type 2 diabetes when I was 52, so at least one of the above answers is wrong. It is when the body's insulin doesn't work as well as it once did. It's also called insulin resistance. It can be controlled with diet and exercise alone, diet and exercise and a pill (Metformin is an example), and in worse cases, insulin injections. I control mine with diet, exercise, Metformin, and some supplements.

Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood and is a complete failure of the pancreas.