There are two types of diabetes, type 1 or childhood diabetes, and type 2 or adult diabetes. Both forms of diabetes are the result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin to balance blood sugar levels and to keep them consistent. However, the cause of diabetes in children is different from the cause of diabetes in adults. Childhood diabetes is a genetic condition while adult diabetes is caused by obesity, overeating and lack of exercise.
With both forms of diabetes it is very important for individuals to be hyper-aware of their blood sugar levels. This can be done with testing strips and blood tests, but it can also be felt by an experienced diabetic. Although neither childhood diabetes nor adult diabetes can be fully cured, both types of diabetes can be controlled with a strictly controlled diet and insulin products.
The two types of diabetes are not treated the same way, the cause of diabetes in children is that the pancreas stops producing insulin producing beta cells. When these beta cells are no longer produced, then insulin is no longer produced and the body has a very difficult time maintaining even blood sugar levels. Adult diabetes is caused by a combination of the insulin producing beta cells slowing their production of insulin and by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance happens when the insulin receptors in the cells stop being receptive to insulin. However, this happens very early in the onset and can be counteracted with therapy. If the condition is allowed to worsen, the insulin receptors become permanently resistant and it usually becomes necessary to treat the disease with doses of insulin products.
Both childhood diabetes and adult diabetes are very dangerous to the people who are affected by them. However, while they are dangerous they are easily managed by modern medicine and constant vigilance.