Identification

• Diabetes is a chronic disease that makes it difficult for your body to process sugar. Type 1 diabetes, once known as "juvenile onset" or "insulin dependent," usually occurs in children and adults under the age of 35.
  
  Type 1 diabetics do not produce insulin, so they must take insulin shots. Five to 10 percent of diabetics are Type 1.
  
  Type 2 diabetes, once known as "adult onset" or "non-insulin dependent," usually occurs in adults over 40. Doctors now, however, are discovering it in children. Type 2 diabetics do not have enough insulin to process the sugar in their bodies or their bodies are unable to use the sugar properly. Type 2 diabetes is the most common. Ninety to 95 percent of diabetics are Type 2.
  
  

Causes

• Because the body destroys the insulin-producing cells, Type 1 diabetics must have insulin or they will die. The insulin is needed to allow sugar to enter muscle and fat cells. The energy your body needs comes from the sugar in your cells. If the sugar cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the bloodstream. High sugar can lead to kidney failure, cardiovascular disease and arteriosclerosis, as well as other complications such as neuropathy (nerve damage) and blindness.
  
  Type 2 diabetes is caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, and/or genetics. Diets high in sugar cause the body to become insulin-resistant. The sugar cannot enter the body's cells, so high levels of sugar deposit into the bloodstream. As you age, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes rises partly because of an inactive lifestyle. People who exercise burn sugar, so their blood sugar levels may be lower than people who are inactive. The result of high blood sugar for the Type 2 diabetic is similar to the Type 1 diabetic. High sugar can cause kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, arteriosclerosis, neuropathy and blindness.
  
  

Treatment

• Type 1 diabetics must take insulin. The diabetic must monitor the insulin needed with glucose blood checks throughout the day and especially after exercise or heavy meals. Type 1 diabetics will always have to take insulin.
  
  Type 2 diabetics may be able to control their diabetes with diet and exercise. The Type 2 diabetic needs to count carbohydrates and distribute the carbohydrates throughout the day. Type 2 diabetics may take oral medication to help the liver slow down the production of glucose or medication to stimulate cells to release insulin. As the disease progresses, some Type 2 diabetics will need to take insulin. Type 2 diabetics, like Type 1 diabetics, must monitor their blood glucose levels.