Preferred Care at Home of National Headquarters | 354 NE 1st Ave Delray Beach, Fl 33444
Diabetes: Type 1 Vs. Type 2
When you have diabetes, your sugar level is abnormally high. Different things cause this, so there are two main types of diabetes. Here’s a quick explanation of each.
Type 1 Diabetes
You may also hear type 1 diabetes called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin. (Insulin regulates the level of sugar in your blood.)
Doctors don’t know what causes type 1 diabetes, but possibilities include:
- Interaction between genes and environmental factors
- Viral infections
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is also called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes. Experts think it’s related to lifestyle habits. You’re more susceptible if you:
- Have a family history
- Are between 40 and 75
- Are of Asian or African/Caribbean descent
- Are overweight
- Are a woman who has given birth to a large baby
Symptoms and Signs
Diabetes symptoms and signs include:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss
- Lack of energy
Not everyone with diabetes has symptoms, so it can go undetected for years.
Consequences
Proper diabetes care is essential because the consequences can include:
- Blindness
- Kidney failure
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Insulin shock
- Diabetic coma
- Heart disease
- Stroke
Treatment
Treatment for type 1 diabetes is insulin therapy. For type 2, treatment depends on what part of the body has defects (such as the pancreas, liver or muscle). It may include medications and monitoring blood-sugar levels.
For information about how our caregivers can provide reliable and compassionate care for seniors with diabetes, please contact us today to experience the Preferred Care at Home difference.