Type 1 diabetes is not necessarily hereditary and is thought to be caused by a virus that attacks the pancreas destroying its ability to produce insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes need to administer insulin in order for their bodies to use ingested glucose for energy. Type 2 diabetes is usually genetic and can be caused as a result of a variety of health issues including overweight and obesity as major sources of the disease. People with type 2 usually can produce some insulin and are either producing insufficient insulin or they are not sensitive to the insulin being produced. The latter is called insulin resistance. Many times type 2 can be controlled with oral meds but in some instances insulin is necessary.
check out our diabetes support group under “health” topics. You’ll meet many fellow Diabetics there!