My Wonderland

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition in which the immune system is activated to destroy the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. We do not know what causes this auto-immune reaction. Type 1 diabetes is not linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. There is no cure and it cannot be prevented.

Type 1 diabetes:

Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin
Represents around 10% of all cases of diabetes and is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions
Onset is usually abrupt and the symptoms obvious
Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue and blurred vision
Is managed with insulin injections several times a day or the use of an insulin pump.
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and/or gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas. We do not know what causes type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with modifiable lifestyle risk factors. Type 2 diabetes also has strong genetic and family related risk factors.

Type 2 diabetes:
- Is diagnosed when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (reduced insulin production) and/or the insulin does not work effectively and/or the cells of the body do not respond to insulin effectively (known as insulin resistance)
- Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes
- Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but is increasingly occurring in younger age groups including children, adolescents and young adults
- Is more likely in people with a family history of type 2 diabetes or from particular ethnic backgrounds
- For some the first sign may be a complication of diabetes such as a heart attack, vision problems or a foot ulcer
- Is managed with a combination of regular physical activity, healthy eating and weight reduction. As type 2 diabetes is often progressive, most people will need oral medications and/or insulin injections in addition to lifestyle changes over time.