‘Double diabetes’ occurs when a sufferer from type 2 diabetes is found to also be affected by the rarer type 1 diabetes.
Also known as ‘hybrid’ diabetes, it is a scenario occurring with increasing regularity throughout America and the rest of the world.
Type 1 diabetes is thought to affect about 5% of all diabetics, and typically occurs from an early age. Type 1 occurs when the immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, required to produce insulin in order to regulate blood sugar. In almost all cases, type 1 diabetics are required to inject insulin daily to keep blood sugar stable.
Type 2 diabetes is often called adult-onset diabetes. It is far more common than type 1 and is often linked to an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and obesity. This occurs due to increased demand for, and resistance to, required amounts of insulin. Many type 2 diabetics can regulate their disease with diet and exercise, but for some medication is required.
Recent reports from America suggest that as many as 30% of recently diagnosed children are suffering from both type 1 and type 2. Obesity, an epidemic that is sweeping both America and the rest of the developed world, is a major influence on this phenomenon.

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