the autoimmune professor

My recent issue with diabetes led me to wonder, exactly what is diabetes and what is the difference. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, while type 2 diabetes is usually caused by lifestyle factors. As of right now, the doctor believes that I have early onset type 2 diabetes; however, because I do have other autoimmune disorders, it is possible that I could develop type 1 diabetes, so we are keeping an eye on that; however, I have been lucky to not need insulin so far.

Both types of diabetes occur when the body is not able to properly store and use glucose, instead, the glucose collects in the blood and never reaches the cells that actually need it.

Type 1 occurs when the immune system starts to attack the pancreatic beta cells and usually appears in children or adolescents; however, it is possible to occur in adults. When the immune system attacks the beta cells, the pancreas basically breaks down and is not able to produce insulin any longer. This type of diabetes is not preventable and around 5-10% of those with diabetes have type 1.

The majority of people that have diabetes have type 2. Type 2 diabetes is more likely to appear as we age, though children are still able to develop it. In this type, the pancreas uses insulin, but the body does not use it effectively.

Another difference is those with type 1 diabetes tend to see a sudden onset while those with type 2 diabetes may see a much slower onset where the blood glucose just starts to increase slowly.

I have added pics to show the differences in my blood sugar as well as after I had to take the glucose tolerance test.