This week's question: What’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and is either one reversible / curable?
In Diabetes Type 1, the body does not produce insulin. This occurs when a person's own body has destroyed the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This is where a person does not produce insulin which takes glucose into cells for growth and energy. In Type 1 diabetes, your own immune system destroys cells in your pancreas, so little if any insulin is made. This type of diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes or childhood diabetes. This type of diabetes is not preventable and not related to lifestyle. It makes no difference whether a person is fat, thin, fit or unfit in regards to a person developing Type 1 diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily, either injected or through an insulin pump. However, research is currently being undertaken to find a way to reverse Type 1 diabetes, and a vaccine is currently being developed which may help to reverse this disease. There is no way to reverse Type 1 diabetes at this time.
In Diabetes Type 2, the cells do not respond correctly to the insulin. People with Diabetes Type 2 have one of two problems, and sometimes both. Either not enough insulin is being produced, or the insulin is not working properly, which is known as insulin resistance. The vast majority of patients who develop Type 2, did so because they were overweight and unfit for some time. This type of diabetes tends to appear later on in life and often called adult onset diabetes. However, there have been more and more cases of people in their 20s developing Type 2, but it is still relatively uncommon. Approximately 85 percent of people who have diabetes have this type of diabetes. Lack of physical activity, being overweight, and some genetic factors make it much more likely that the cells build up insulin resistance more quickly. It is important to remember that insulin resistance is not the insulin responding properly, but the cells not responding properly to the insulin. With time and dedication, Type 2 diabetes can be reversed and the results can be very rewarding with less tiredness and better all-round health. Loss of body weight and exercise can be particularly beneficial in helping to reverse the progression of diabetes. In some cases, people may find they are able to come off medication, although blood sugar levels should be checked regularly as reversing progression of diabetes is not a cure.
If you have further concerns you should contact your doctor for more information regarding your condition.
Dr. Magdi Credi
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