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Question: From Frankfurt, Germany: I am 31 years old, and I have recently been told by the physician that I have type 1 diabetes. How do they really differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? Answer: You have asked a loaded question. In theory, type 1 diabetes results from the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing cells called beta cells. Type 2 diabetes is associated with a more prominent genetic history in the family, insulin resistance, and obesity. Type 2 diabetes has generally been more of a problem in individuals over the age of 40, but the recent trend is for younger and younger individuals to develop it, and it is not uncommon to see individuals under age 20 with type 2 diabetes. The general characteristics of type 1 diabetes include the development of DKA [diabetic ketoacidosis] (although not required), decreased insulin production in response to glucose challenge, and positive antibodies. In addition, patients with type 1 diabetes are usually thin. Patients with type 2 diabetes are obese, have a positive family history, make insulin (and often have elevated insulin levels), and do not have a history of positive antibodies or diabetic ketoacidosis. JTL [Editor's comment: The reader should note that the patient's age at the time of diagnosis is no longer considered relevant. The old terms "juvenile diabetes" and "adult diabetes" are out-of-date. WWQ] DTQ-20010924130209 Original posting 29 Sep 2001 Posted to Diagnosis and Symptoms

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			Jump to a new section --[ Getting Around ]-- Home Page What's New Guide to CWD Help with Error Messages Index Privacy Policy Search Site Map --[ People ]-- Family Support Network Adults with Diabetes Care Photos Chat Rooms Conferences Kids with Diabetes Parents Parent Humor Scholarships and Financial Aid Grandparents Humorous Tidbits Jobs Mailing Lists CWD Forums Poetry and Art Videos Polls Quilt for Life Surveys Blogs --[ Clinic ]-- Ask the Diabetes Team Alternate Site Testing Alternative Treatments Care Suggestions CWD Español Diabetes Basics Diabetes at School 504 Plans Diabetes Camps Diabetes Dictionary Insulin Pumps Nutrition Podcasts Presentations Products Product Marketplace Sports Studies Warning Signs --[ Sources ]-- News and Information Diabetes Advocacy Links to Other Web Sites Press Releases Regional Information Services Support Groups --[ Feedback ]-- About CWD Get CWD Products Advertise Awards Contribute Your Experiences Disclaimer Letters to the Editor Logos and Linking Share our Brochures

Last Updated: Sun Jan 15 12:18:33 2006
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