Diabetes is a medical condition that causes an excess of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Under normal circumstances, insulin, a hormone that is produced by the pancreas, helps glucose make its way into cells effectively. Problems with insulin in the body inhibit this process, which results in abnormally high blood sugar levels.
With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin effectively due to damage caused by the immune system. In this case, the immune system mistakenly attacks cells responsible for releasing insulin, which causes blood sugar to increase. Type 1 usually first appears in childhood or young adulthood.
As for type 2 diabetes, the pancreas often produces insulin, but the body is unable to use it effectively. In some cases, the body may not produce enough insulin. Type 2 typically appears when a person is middle aged or older. Unlike type 1, type 2 can be influenced by lifestyle factors.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause the following symptoms:
Certain symptoms are also distinct to type 1 or type 2. With type 1 diabetes, people may experience stomach upset, vomiting, and unwanted weight loss. With type 2, numbness and discomfort in the lower extremities, delayed wound healing, and recurrent yeast infections in women may occur.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. While there is a genetic link to the disorder, it’s believed that environmental triggers like viruses or certain contaminants also play a role.
Unlike type 1, some people with type 2 diabetes can produce insulin. However, their bodies are resistant to insulin, which increases blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is linked to risk factors like being overweight or obese, carrying a large amount of weight around the midsection, and physical inactivity.
Both type 1 and type 2 can be diagnosed via blood testing. Some blood tests require you to fast overnight, while others can be taken without fasting. You may also be asked to consume a beverage with glucose to determine how well your body processes it.
In addition to evaluating current blood glucose levels, an A1C test evaluates levels over the course of a few months. Doctors can also look for specific antibodies in the blood to identify type 1 diabetes.
While type 1 diabetes has no cure, insulin therapy and blood glucose monitoring can keep major complications at bay. Adjusting one’s diet is also beneficial, particularly when it comes to carb consumption. Carbs are converted to sugar in your body, which raises glucose levels.
As for type 2, insulin therapy and blood monitoring are sometimes necessary, but many people can reduce symptoms by making lifestyle changes. Eating a nutritious diet, partaking in physical activities, and reducing consumption of sweets and processed foods are all key to managing blood sugar levels.