Diabetes is a blend of conditions after the body fails to produce sufficient insulin, which is mostly common in children. This condition affects how the body utilizes glucose, an integral energy source for tissue and muscle cells.
The leading diabetes cause depends on its type, but they all cause excess sugar in the blood. The most common types of diabetes include;
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes.
Below we discuss everything you need to know about type 1 vs type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes Causes
Type 1 diabetes is considered an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system eliminates beta cells from the pancreas in an irreversible process. What triggers the attack remains unclear, but environmental and genetic factors play a key role.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes begins as insulin resistance, meaning the body cannot use it appropriately. This, in turn, makes the pancreas release more insulin until it can no longer keep up with its demand.
The main cause of this condition is unknown, but the main contributing factors include the following;
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
Gestational Diabetes
This condition happens when insulin blocks important hormones released during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy only, mainly in people with a family history.
Diabetes Symptoms
The main symptoms of unmanaged diabetes include the following;
- Blurry vision
- Frequent urination
- Itchy skin
- Excess hunger or thirst.
Type 2 diabetes causes patches in the neck and armpit area, and you might experience symptoms during diagnosis as this condition takes long before diagnosis. On the other hand, type 1 diabetes develops faster than others, and its main symptoms are weight loss or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Symptoms of all types of diabetes occur in different age groups, but type 1 diabetes is mainly common in young adults and children. Type 2 mainly happens in individuals above 45.
How Common is this Condition?
Over thirty million people have diabetes in the US, but many still do not know they have it. Prediabetes happens when the blood glucose exceeds its limit, and the main risk factors of type 2 diabetes are;
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Having prediabetes or gestational diabetes.
Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes treatment is done in the following ways;
Type 1
People with type 1 diabetes should take insulin for life as pancreas damage is irreversible. Insulin is administered beneath the skin, or you can consider an insulin pump, a device outside the body to release a particular dose.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes is easily manageable, and you can reverse it with exercise and diet. This condition can also be treated using different medications to regulate blood sugar. Metrofin is the first treatment option, which eliminates glucose production.
However, your doctor will recommend the ideal treatment; suppose metformin does not work.
Final Thoughts
Diabetes is a major condition when you fail to track your blood sugar level. This condition mainly attacks children but is also present in adults. The above article has discussed all you need to know about this condition, and you can reach out for more.
