Diabetes Fast Facts and Information
The difference between diabetes type 1 and type 2
There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. These two diabetes types have several key differences, for instance the differences in cause, symptoms, characteristics, management, incidence, who it affects and what effects the disease has on the body.
What causes diabetes type 1 and type 2?
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system erroneously attacks the pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin, destroying these cells and reducing the body’s ability to produce sufficient insulin to regulate blood glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce sufficient insulin and the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. This results in the build-up of glucose in the blood while cells are starved of energy. This condition is often a result of persistently high glucose levels as well as obesity and overweight, lifestyle and dietary factors, medications and other issues.
Insulin use not only prevents hyperglycemic emergencies, but is a safeguard that helps to prevent long-term complications of diabetes by correcting fasting and postprandial (after meal) hyperglycemia.
Both of the major types of diabetes typically include different stages of disease, beginning with a state where supplemental insulin is not required to a state that does require exogenous insulin for blood glucose control and survival. (Via Medical News Today)
Diabetes Early Warning Signs
- Needing to urinate frequently
- Increased appetite
- Increased thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Red, swollen gums
- Itchy skin
- Unexplained tiredness
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Sores that are slow to heal
- Increased infections
- Increased yeast infections
- Blurred vision