Surprisingly, many people who are suffering from diabetes don’t know they have the disease. And that’s one major reason the number of people who have this disease continues to increase every day. It is important to know the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes as the treatment and food intake varies for both.
Diabetes is a dangerous ailment and can lead to other health problems such as kidney failure, blindness, strokes, and heart attacks. Most people don’t know diabetes has different types. This article will be discussing the types of diabetes and the differences between type 1 and type 2.
Types of Diabetes
1. Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin helps the body to use sugar derived from carbohydrates for energy. It also plays a major role in helping the body store glucose and lowering the blood sugar level.
Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of the body’s inability to produce enough insulin secreted by the pancreas. This condition is often inherited and commonly diagnosed in young adults and children.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
This is the most common type of diabetes. People suffering from this condition can produce insulin but their bodies cannot use it to control blood sugar. Eating junk foods, lack of exercise, overweight, heredity and other unhealthy lifestyle causes type 2 diabetes. It is common among people who are over 35 years, but younger people can have this condition if they don’t pay attention to their lifestyle. Besides, research has shown that women who have diabetes during pregnancy are likely to develop type 2 later in life.
3. Gestational Diabetes
Pregnant women are the only ones that are at risk of having gestational diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, pregnant women who have never experienced diabetes but have a high level of blood sugar during pregnancy have gestational diabetes.
When the body of a pregnant woman can’t make and use all the insulin needed during pregnancy, gestational diabetes occurs. This condition should be treated quickly because it can give the baby high blood glucose levels.
What causes Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Common causes of type 1 diabetes are family history, age, genetics, and children of ages 4 and 7 are at risk of this condition.
People who are at risk of having diabetes 2 are those who are age 35 and above. Although those who are younger can develop diabetes if they don’t pay attention to their lifestyle but it is not common. Besides, women who have gestational diabetes are at risk of having type 2 diabetes.
What are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Note that type 1 and 2 diabetes are both dangerous to health and can result in other health complications if care is not taken. They both affect the way your body regulates glucose. Children and young adults are at risk of having type 1 diabetes and it is often caused by heredity.
On the other hand, type 2 diabetes affects many people than type 1 diabetes. The body of people suffering from 2 diabetes is not sensitive to insulin. Their pancreas has to produce more insulin to fill in that gap. Another name for this condition is insulin resistance.
After a long time, the elevated glucose level can wreak havoc on the body tissues thereby leading to kidney failure, vision loss, and diabetic neuropathy.
Type 1 diabetes treatment includes taking insulin, lifestyle changes, eating healthy, regular exercise, and monitoring your weight. You can get insulin through a pump you wear every day or via injections.
Managing type 2 diabetes can be difficult but it is necessary to prevent other health complications. Some of the ways to treat type 2 diabetes are through regular exercise, insulin therapy, a healthy lifestyle, weight loss, reduction of sugar intake, and more. Besides, you should reduce your fat, calories, and carbohydrates intake. Taking vegetables, fruits, and soluble fiber is highly recommended.
Gestational diabetes can be treated by monitoring your blood sugar. Include more fruits, and vegetables in your diet. Keep in mind that it is important to give birth to your due date or even early. Without doing so, your health and that of your baby can be at risk of complications.
Conclusion
Although there is a difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, both are dangerous to health and shouldn’t be ignored. Watch your diet, exercise, reduce your sugar intake, and follow your doctor’s instructions. By making certain changes in your lifestyle, you are doing yourself better. Focus on what contributes to your health positively and begin to work towards it from now on.