Diabetes mellitus or DM is a metabolic disorder that prevents the body from storing and using glucose for energy. It occurs when a person lacks insulin, the hormone will allows glucose absorption into the cells.

However, there are two types this condition may come in - Type 1 and Type 2. Learn more about this at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/diabetes/. There are several key differences between the two in terms of direct cause, characteristics and symptoms, management and predisposing factors.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes, also known DM Type one, is characterized by insulin deficiency ranging from mild to severe, but does not require medical treatment. But while this form of diabetes cannot be cured, it may be managed, and a lot of Type 1 diabetics continue to live happy and healthy lives. If you’ve been diagnosed as as a type diabetic, jsut ask your doctor what the solutions and options are. Provided you care for yourself the right way, this is not really a problem.

Type 1 diabetes is often because of an inability by the pancreas to produce insulin. This is usually due to the pancreas being attacked by the diabetic’s own immune system, causing irreversible damage. Because insulin helps the body to absorb glucose, insufficient insulin levels can be dangerous. Unless corrected, a person can develop vision, cardiac and circulatory conditions, or even die. When the case is extreme, the person can go into a coma, or at least experience insatiable hunger or thirst, frequent urination or lethargy.  

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is the more prevalent type of DM which mainly affects adults or diabetics who are not dependent on insulin. As with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 is incurable but highly manageable with the help of a doctor. When a person is found with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, he or she will often be referred to support groups or other types of assistance that helps them cope with the condition.

One of the attributes that differentiates Type 2 diabetes from Type 1 is its slow onset which also tends to harder to distinguish. Some of the more common symptoms include lethargy, thirst, hunger and frequent urination, which are also seen in severe Type 1 DM. When a person exhibits these symptoms, a doctor can run a test to determine if they are because of diabetes.To confirm whether or not these symptoms are diabetes-related, a doctor can perform a medical exam. Fortunately, it is highly possible to prevent DM through diet and exercise, particularly for those who are considered high-risk.

The risk factors for both types are the same, however, and they include having a family member who is diabetic, being older than 45, a woman who has polycystic ovary syndrome, prediabetic (blood sugar level is higher than normal but not within the diabetes range), physically inactive, obese/overweight or hypertensive; a history of heart disease or gestational diabetes; and having high triglyceride (above 250 mg/dL) and low “good cholesterol” (less than 35 mg/dL) levels. If you think you might be at risk, consult your doctor immediately. For additional information, visit the site at http://www.diabetes-article.com.