Type 1 vs Type 2
Here at Kids Get Fit, we aim to combat and prevent childhood obesity and diabetes, and for the most part that would be type 2 diabetes.
Do you know the difference between the types of diabetes? There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Both types of diabetes are chronic diseases that affect the way your body regulates blood sugar or glucose. Glucose is the fuel that feeds your body’s cells, but to enter your cells it needs a key. Insulin is that key.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin, a hormone secreted by beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin allows your body to use sugar from carbohydrates for energy, and keeps your blood sugar level from getting too high or too low. Type 1 is often inherited, commonly diagnosed in children and young adults who were born with it.
Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common kind. About 95 percent of people with diabetes have Type 2, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes. They’re able to produce some of their own insulin, but their bodies are unable to use this insulin to completely control blood sugar levels, known as insulin resistance. Unhealthy choices, such as eating too many unhealthy bad foods, carrying too much weight and not exercising can contribute to a diagnosis of Type 2. Usually develops after age 35, but more and more kids and teens are getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
With the proper nutrition and exercise, Type 2 diabetes can be reversed.