Type 1 and Type diabetes have two things in common. They are both diseases of the pancreas and involve insulin. Dr. Mary Ogunsanya at Maryland Children Health Center in Glenn Dale, MD, and Oxon Hill, MD, makes sure that her patients who suffer from diabetes understand the disease they have and how it affects their lives.
When you eat, your body turns that food into glucose which it releases into your bloodstream. The blood sugar sends a signal to the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is the mechanism that allows glucose to turn into energy to power your cells. Diabetes is a breakdown in this process which allows too much blood sugar to build up in the body and this is dangerous to your health and even to your life.
Type 1 Diabetes
Between 5-10% of individuals who suffer from diabetes have Type 1. Some people have a genetic predisposition to diabetes, but not everyone with this predisposition will get diabetes. It is an autoimmune reaction that allows your body to attack its own insulin-producing cells. It is most common in children and juveniles. Lifestyle or what you eat does not cause Type 1 diabetes. Once a diagnosis has been made, it is vital to get treatment. Your child will need to have insulin shots daily or wear an insulin pump. The amount of blood sugar needs to be monitored to make sure that the balance is correct.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is most common in adults but is becoming more common in children and teens. With this type of diabetes, your body doesn't use insulin as effectively as it should. Through weight loss, increased activity, and healthy eating, your child may be able to change the course of their illness and live a normal, healthy life. They will still need to monitor their blood sugar and, for some people, they will still require insulin.
Dr. Ogunsanya of Maryland Children Health Center treats diabetes as well as much more. The practice has two offices, one in Glenn Dale, MD, and the other in Oxon Hill, MD. To make an appointment give us a call Glenn Dale at (301) 218-0398 and Oxon Hill at (301) 567-1767.