Type I

• Type I diabetes is also called juvenile diabetes. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the the body's white blood cells do not recognize pancreatic cells as "self." In a type I diabetic, the immune system attacks beta pancreatic cells. These cells are responsible for the production of insulin, so blood glucose levels rise from the loss of insulin.
  
  

Type II

• Type II diabetes is an acquired disease that is usually associated with obesity. Type II diabetics produce insulin, but the cells do not respond to the hormone's attachment to cellular proteins. When insulin attaches to the cell's protein, it signals the uptake of glucose. Since cells do not respond, glucose levels rise and cause disease.
  
  

Treatment

• Type I diabetics are treated with insulin injections. Since the pancreas does not synthesize the insulin hormone, the injections take the place of the function and provide the blood with insulin for glucose uptake. Type II diabetics are treated with pills, insulin or both. The type of pills prescribed depends on the decision of the doctor. Pills provide several functions. They help cells uptake more glucose, limit the amount of sugar produced by the liver or increase insulin levels in the body.
  
  

Glucose Monitoring

• Diabetics rely heavily on glucose monitoring. High glucose levels can lead to severe complications like diabetic shock, coma or even death. Blood glucose meters are used to test glucose levels. A device called a lancet is used to prick the finger for a drop of blood. The blood is placed on testing strips, which are inserted into the meter. These devices give a reading that warns the diabetic if levels are abnormal.
  
  

Diet

• Diet is a big part of diabetes maintenance. For some type II diabetics, diet can lower weight and reverse the effects of diabetes. Low sugar diets also keep the blood glucose at manageable levels. Although complete cessation from carbohydrates is unhealthy, controlling the amount consumed in a day keeps the body healthy by providing energy content while maintaining health.