There are a number of different types of diabetes, but two of the most common are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The complications of diabetes, regardless of the type, can be serious if the disease is ignored and left untreated.
Many people have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes without any knowledge that they have the disease. The high levels of glucose in the bloodstream can negatively impact circulation, which can thereby impact the nerves and lead to diabetic neuropathy.
Causes of diabetes are still unknown, although we do know how to treat it once it is discovered. Let’s talk about type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and what you can do about each of them.
What Is Type 1 Diabetes?
This type of diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, so it is also referred to as juvenile diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes do not naturally produce insulin, or they produce very little insulin, which is the hormone the pancreas produces to convert sugar (glucose) into energy. Insulin is also needed by the body to store glucose for future use, thereby regulating your blood sugar levels.
Ongoing insulin therapy is imperative to maintaining the good health of someone with type 1 diabetes. With insufficient levels of insulin in your body, you can experience dangerously low energy levels and high blood sugar levels.
This condition requires close monitoring of blood sugar levels and regular insulin shots. In the case of type 1 diabetes, most patients are born with it and cannot prevent or cure it.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Much more common than type 1 diabetes is type 2 diabetes. The causes are usually poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Smoking has also been shown to contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Having someone in your immediate family (parent, sibling, child) with type 2 diabetes increases your risk of developing it. This is the type of diabetes that people are often unaware of until the symptoms become more apparent and complications occur; however, almost everyone with type 2 diabetes had prediabetes first, so regular checkups by your family medicine provider will detect it before it becomes an issue.
With type 2 diabetes, either the diabetic’s body does make insulin but there is a problem with the absorption of glucose by the cells (insulin resistance), or the body does not produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is often an adult-onset disease, but more and more children are now being diagnosed with it due to high obesity incidence among children.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Regardless of whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the symptoms can include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry
- Urinating frequently
- Losing weight for no apparent reason
- Having blurry vision
- Feeling extremely tired
Treatment for Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves regular insulin injections as necessary to maintain normal blood sugar levels. However, treatment for type 2 diabetes typically involves making lifestyle changes, such as exercising and dietary changes. Medication and diabetic foot care is also part of the treatment to avoid limb loss.
Advances in technology and research have greatly extended the average lifespan of patients with diabetes. Today, both of these two types are manageable diseases, and you can live a normal and active life.
Diabetes Management in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach
Our board-certified internal medicine family medicine providers here at Advanced Medical specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic medical conditions, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We will help you manage your symptoms and prevent complications so that you can enjoy life.
To schedule a consultation, call Advanced Medical today at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
