The Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

November was named American Diabetes Month in honor of Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin in 1921. This month serves to raise awareness and educate those affected by the disease.

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Understanding the causes and symptoms of diabetes can help you lower your risk and learn to manage your health.

 

What is Diabetes?

When you eat, your pancreas produces the hormone insulin to convert sugar from the food into glucose to energize your cells. If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t produce enough or can’t regulate insulin to control your blood sugar. Without insulin, your body will turn to other cells for energy by breaking fat and muscle.

Key Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes: This type of diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. Type 1 diabetes typically develops during childhood but can affect people of all ages.

Type 2 diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, your body may not produce enough insulin or is resistant to its effects. It’s the most common type of diabetes among adults and can develop due to genetic and lifestyle factors.

What Causes Diabetes?

The exact cause of diabetes is unknown. Type 1 diabetes is believed to be influenced by genetic factors, a family history of diabetes and pancreatic diseases. Type 2 diabetes can develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, eating habits and comorbidities, such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes symptoms:

• Increased thirst or appetite
• Weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Dehydration
• Dry mouth or skin
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
• Slow wound healing
• Nausea and vomiting (due to ketoacidosis)
• Abdominal pain

Type 2 diabetes presents many of the same symptoms as type 1. Additional signs include:

• Weight loss or gain
• Irritability or mood changes
• Yeast infections in women

Risk Factors for Diabetes

• Obesity
• High fat distribution around the abdomen
• Diet high in sugar, salt and trans and saturated fats
• Lack of exercise
• High cholesterol or blood pressure
• Age (varies between type 1 and 2)
• Autoimmune conditions, including Celiac disease, Addison’s disease and autoimmune thyroiditis
• A family history of diabetes
• Chronic high blood sugar, also known as prediabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• African American, Asian and Hispanic ethnicities

Diabetes Treatment Options

If left untreated, type 1 and type 2 diabetes can damage your heart, kidneys and eyes. Diabetes is also the most common cause of limb amputation due to circulation issues. It’s crucial to contact your doctor as soon as you experience symptoms. Type 2 diabetes doesn’t always produce noticeable symptoms, so getting an annual physical exam and blood test will help you monitor your blood sugar level.

While there is currently no cure for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, they can be controlled with medication or injections to regulate your insulin and blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes requires daily glucose testing and insulin therapy to prevent adverse symptoms.

You can manage type 2 diabetes through a combination of lifestyle changes, oral medication, blood sugar monitoring and insulin use. In some cases, bariatric surgery can reduce obesity and lead to diabetes remission.

How to Get Involved During American Diabetes Month

You can participate in raising awareness during National Diabetes Month by making healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk of or manage diabetes.

Here are some tips to consider:

• Eat a well-balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
• Avoid processed foods, prepackaged snacks and sugary beverages as much as possible.
• Practice portion control to prevent overeating.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise for 30 minutes a day or 150 per week.
• Find effective ways to manage your stress.
• Take your medication as prescribed.
• Check your blood sugar daily or per your physician’s instructions.
• Schedule routine eye exams
• Protect your feet from infection.

In-Home Diabetic Care from Ohioans Home Health & Hospice

Ohioans Home Health & Hospice specializes in creating personalized care plans based on your unique needs. We combine comprehensive evaluations with your preferences and insight to design a routine to help you regulate chronic conditions, including diabetes. Contact us to learn about our services and schedule a consultation.