Diabetes: Type 1 Vs. Type 2

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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.


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