Insulin-dependent Diabetes

The two most prevalent types both stem from diabetes mellitus. These two types of diabetes mellitus are commonly known as insulin-dependent and insulin-independent diabetes.

Although there are various forms of diabetes, the two most prevalent types both stem from diabetes mellitus. These two types of diabetes mellitus are commonly known as insulin-dependent and insulin-independent diabetes. While these two forms of diabetes may share some of the same biological manifestations, they differ in their causes and treatments.

Insulin-dependent diabetes, which usually strikes sometime during childhood, is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system itself destroys the body's insulin-secreting cells. This type of diabetes usually treated with regular injections of insulin and a carefully controlled diet and exercise regimen. Insulin-dependent diabetes is largely hereditary with no present methods to prevent its onset or to cure it. Although insulin-dependent diabetics are reliant on insulin injections for regulation, insulin cannot prevent fluctuations in blood glucose levels. This factor makes nutrient consumption and exercise essential tools for regulating changes in blood glucose levels.

Insulin-independent Diabetes

More than 90% of diabetics suffer from more preventable type of the disease known as insulin-independent diabetes.

More than 90% of diabetics suffer from a second, more preventable type of the disease known as insulin-independent diabetes. This form of diabetes develops gradually, and onset usually occurs after the age of thirty. It most commonly appears in overweight adults whose cells have developed an insensitivity comes by way of medication which encourages increased production of pancreatic insulin.

Further treatment includes a weight loss program which promotes a healthy diet and exercise. As with insulin-dependent diabetics, exercise is necessary because it increases the body's sensitivity to insulin. However, preventive medicine is a much more effective and appropriate treatment for this particular type of diabetes. In effect, insulin-independent diabetes can be adequately prevented through a healthy lifestyle and successful weight control.