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Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood glucose. In 1980, 108 million people had diabetes. By 2014, that number rose to 422 million. It is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. There are two primary types of diabetes to understand. Knowing the similarities and differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is crucial for effective management and prevention. In this guide, PatientsLikeMe will compare the two.
Similarities Between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Both types of diabetes disrupt the process of moving glucose from the blood into the cells, leading to high blood sugar levels. They can both cause a number of similar symptoms. These include:
- Extreme thirst
- Hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Irritability
- Increased urination
- Headaches
Both types can damage vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. This is due to long periods of increased blood glucose levels. Ketoacidosis, a serious condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids (ketones), can occur. This happens most often in untreated or poorly managed diabetes. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, and even coma. PatientsLikeMe members have reported experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, stress, pain, depressed mood, and anxious mood.
The primary goal of treatment for both types is to manage blood glucose levels within a target range to prevent complications.
Differences Between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
While the end result of both conditions is high blood glucose levels, the causes and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes differ. In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. The exact cause of this is still unknown. This is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. People with type 1 diabetes are dependent on external insulin since their bodies cannot produce it naturally.
Type 2 diabetes on the other hand typically develops due to a combination of insulin resistance (where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin) and insulin deficiency. It is strongly associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and genetic factors. This type is more common in adults over 45 but is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people due to rising obesity rates. Type 2 is initially managed with lifestyle changes and oral medications. Some people may eventually require insulin therapy if the disease progresses. People with Type 2 diabetes may experience additional symptoms such as frequent infections, slow-healing sores, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, gum problems, itching, and issues with sexual function.
Management and Prevention
Currently, there are no ways to prevent type 1 diabetes. It requires lifelong insulin therapy, careful blood sugar monitoring, and a balanced diet. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet. Managing the condition often involves lifestyle changes to diet and exercise. You may also need to take oral medications and insulin. Like type 1 diabetes, you will need to regularly monitor your blood glucose levels.
For both types of diabetes, education and regular communication with healthcare providers is crucial! You should stick to any prescribed treatment plan and go to every scheduled medical follow up. Those steps, along with medication adherence and healthy lifestyle changes, can help you effectively manage either type 1 or type 2 diabetes!
We hope this article helped you understand the similarities and differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Knowledge is power! With this information you can more effectively manage your condition and reduce the risk of complications.
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