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The function of insulin and the body's reaction to it is at the center of diabetes treatment.
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone used by the body to turn sugar, carbohydrates and starch into energy.
Type 1 Diabetes
In Type 1 Diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes
In Type 2 Diabetes, the body produces its own insulin, but resists it. Type II diabetics usually do not require insulin shots as the first step is to adjust the meal plans. Type 2 Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the elderly.
How do Diabetics Get Insulin?
Insulin must be injected directly into body fat. It cannot be swallowed as a pill, though some Type 2 diabetics can take a non-insulin pill that treats their symptoms.
Commercial Insulin
The insulin diabetics inject is created in a lab from human cells. Before 1980, insulin was produced from cow or pig hormones.
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