As you set to investigate the causation of diabetes in general, it is wise to begin learning about the difference between the 1 and 2 diabetes type. It is a misleading generalization to assume that both conditions — although grouped under the heading of diabetes — are caused by the same sets of circumstances and it furthermore may lead to an inaccurate understanding of treatment options as well as management techniques. Suffice to say that when leaning about the difference that exists between the 1 and 2 diabetes type, it becomes quickly apparent that the end effect on the body is eerily similar.

In most general terms, both the 1 and 2 diabetes type is the kind of disease that directly impacts the human body's systemic capacity to metabolize nutrients related to carbohydrates. This leads to the presence of one carbohydrate in particular, glucose, which becomes a volatile presence in the blood stream. In a healthy individual, the glucose is utilized by the cells of the body for energy and the remainder may be stored in the liver for future energy provision in between glucose providing meals. In a sick person, the glucose is not adequately processed and thus rather than being stored for future use, the glucose level in the blood rises to dangerous levels which may wreak havoc with the body's overall workings.

At the root of the problem is an insufficient level of insulin, a hormone that controls both the storage of glucose in the liver and also the muscle tissues, which points to reason for the unfettered spiking of insulin. Another presentation of the problem is found when there is a bodily resistance to insulin and thus the quantity of the hormone present in the blood is incapable of adequately metabolizing the glucose that is found in the bloodstream. The former is associated with type-1 diabetes, while the latter is indicative of type-2 presentation of the disease.

Thus, type 1 diabetes is essentially known to be a deficiency with respect to the levels of naturally present insulin in the patient's bloodstream or the blood sugar level. It has been ascertained that this is the result of an attack against cells within the pancreas known as beta cells. It is this cell group that is directly charged with the manufacture and also secretion of insulin and the attack on these cells leaves the pancreas unable to comply with the bodily needs. In a sinister twist, the attack on these cells is instituted by the patient's body itself and there is not way of stopping it. This is the reason why many consider type-1 diabetes to be in the same group of ailments as autoimmune disorders which also attack bodily systems. As the disease is chronic and there is no cure, the patient's only chance at living a normal life is to consistently supplement the missing insulin via injection.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is acquired and is directly related to obesity. Patients presenting with this form of insulin resistance may manage their disease with a complete change in nutrition, lifestyle and other forms of behavior modification.