Children and Type 1 Diabetes

• Children with type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that no longer produces insulin and must learn to monitor their blood sugar levels, as well as administer insulin to themselves via shots or an insulin pump.
  
  

Children and Type 2 Diabetes

• Children with type 2 diabetes have a problem with the way their body metabolizes sugar, which is usually a result of a poor diet and lack of activity. Insulin treatment may be needed.
  
  

Islet Cells and Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

• Islet cells produce insulin in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes can occur when the immune system mistakenly destroys these cells due to genetics or certain viruses. In type 2 diabetes, insulin is still produced, though not in sufficient amounts, and the body may resist its effects.
  
  

Insulin

• Insulin helps glucose (sugar) pass through the bloodstream to parts of the body that convert it into energy. When the body stops producing insulin or builds up an immunity to its effects, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, which can lead to heart and blood vessel disease, as well as damage to nerves, kidneys, eyes and feet.
  
  

Treatment

• Despite type 1 and type 2 diabetes being the result of different causes, they require similar treatments, such as the monitoring of blood sugar levels, administration of insulin, healthy eating and exercise. Type 2 diabetes can even be preventable if a child improves his diet and begins to get sufficient exercise.