What is diabetes, and what is the difference between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes?
• Type 1 Diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM) is associated with the inability of the pancreatic beta cells to produce insulin. This disease is classified as an autoimmune disease that attacks and kills the insulin-producing beta cells. • Type 2 Diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, NIDDM) is associated with the body’s inability to effectively utilize the insulin produced by the pancreas. • Gestational Diabetes is also associated with the body’s temporary inability to effectively utilize the insulin produced by the pancreas. Despite the similarities, Type 2 Diabetes is a much different disease than Type 1 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is a lifestyle disease with trillions of metabolically defective cells. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease with dead or dormant pancreatic beta cells that are not producing insulin.
