Medical Guides

In Type 1 diabetes (also called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent

-    IDDM diabetes), the body completely stops producing insulin. It is not known why Type 1 diabetes occurs but it is believed that genetic, environmental factors and possibly viruses are involved. This form of diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes was also previously known as juvenile diabetes or ketosis-prone diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes (also called adult-onset or non insulin-dependent

-    NIDDM diabetes), is the most common form of diabetes. It is due to reduced insulin secretion or resistance to the action of insulin or insulin resistance. In insulin resistance, the body does not respond to insulin, thus the pancreas goes on producing more and more insulin. As a result glucose builds up in the blood but the body cannot make efficient use of it as a source of fuel. This form of diabetes usually occurs in people who are over 40, overweight and have a family history of diabetes.

Some features of type 2 diabetes:

•    This form of diabetes usually develops in adults.
•    Contributes to 90 to 95 per cent of total diabetics.
•    About 80 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight.
•    Because of increasing incidence of childhood obesity, Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in young people.

Type 2 diabetes was also previously known as maturity-onset diabetes, ketosis-resistant diabetes, or stable diabetes.