More and more people around the world are becoming familiar with diabetes.  But if you were to ask “Type 1 or Type 2?” you’d typically get blank stares.

The most common form of diabetes globally is termed Type 2 diabetes.  Almost 90% of all diabetes cases in the US are Type 2, and in Thailand, where our son was diagnosed, Type 1 is essentially non-existent whereas Type 2 is rampant.

The core difference between the two types is the body’s ability to generate insulin.  In Type 2 diabetes, the body is still able to produce insulin, but it has become resistent to the produced insulin and so glucose levels rise.  In Type 1 however, the body loses its ability to even create insulin.

Both types create extreme situations and can impact the body in devastating ways if left untreated.  However, people with Type 1 diabetes are left with a single option today to control their disease – inject insulin into the body.

Type 2 sufferers on the other hand may also have to inject insulin, but they are often able to also control their situation through improved diet, reduced weight and other medications that help their bodies absorb the insulin they create.

There is also a third type of diabetes termed Gestational Diabetes.  This form can affect pregnant mothers during the course of their pregnancy.  It is thought that the hormonal changes taking place due to the pregnancy have an impact on the body’s ability to use insulin.  This affects approximately 4% of all pregnant women, and thought it usually goes away after the pregnancy, if left untreated can cause the woman to develop Type 2 diabetes.

You can find additional information by visiting the American Diabetes Association’s website

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