Types of Diabetes Mellitus

There are 2 major types of diabetes mellitus.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus has also been known as juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus or insulin dependant diabetes mellitus. This is the less common type and usually occurs in young persons below the age of 35. In this condition, the body is unable to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a gland that is in the abdomen. Insulin is a hormone that controls the use of different fuels for energy. It is especially important because it allows the body to use glucose (simple sugar) instead of fats. When there is no insulin, the body cannot use or store the glucose that comes from food and this causes the blood sugars to become very high. Instead, the body uses fat as a source of fuel giving rise to some of the acute complications of diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 (adult-onset or non-insulin requiring) diabetes mellitus is much more common and is the type of diabetes that affects most Singaporeans. In this type of diabetes, there is no shortage of insulin (at least at the start of the disease). Instead, the cells and tissues of the body are unable to respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas. They have "insulin resistance." (see cartoon below).

This type of diabetes commonly occurs in persons who are overweight and have high blood pressure. There are often other family members who also have the disease.

NORMALLY IN THE BODY:

DIABETES TYPE 2: INSULIN RESISTANCE

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