Describe the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The pancreas contains beta cells of the Islet of Langerhans which produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin is responsible for lowering the concentration of glucose in the blood. In type 1 diabetes, not enough insulin is produced due to autoimmune destruction of beta cells, and so there is an inability to lower the blood glucose level after eating a glucose-rich meal. This is also known as 'juvenile-onset' diabetes as it typically begins in children and young adults. In type 2 diabetes, the beta cells are still able to produce insulin, however the insulin receptors found on the cell surface membrane of liver and muscle cells are unable to recognise the insulin. The blood glucose concentration is therefore not lowered. This is also known as 'adult-onset diabetes' or 'non insulin-dependent diabetes' as it typically occurs in adulthood and is influenced by certain risk factors such as older age and obesity.