With type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little to no insulin. The exact cause of this autoimmune response is not known, but genetic factors and possibly viral infections are believed to play a role. It is less common than type 2 diabetes, accounting for about 5-10% of all diabetes cases.

Onset: It usually develops in childhood or adolescence, but it can occur at any age. Symptoms often develop rapidly.

Symptoms:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision

Treatment:

• Requires lifelong insulin therapy through injections or an insulin pump because the body cannot produce insulin.
• Blood sugar levels need to be regularly monitored.
• A balanced diet and regular exercise are important, but they are secondary to insulin therapy.

It is extremely important that blood glucose levels are kept from going too low or too high. People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will monitor their diabetes control and help them learn to manage their diabetes. A diabetes health care team is also recommended. This healthcare team would include endocrinologists, ophthalmologists for eye examinations, podiatrists for routine foot care, and dietitians for daily diabetes management.

‍Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that results in the body’s inability to produce insulin. People who suffer from Type 1 diabetes must be on insulin in order to keep glucose levels within normal limits. Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which either the body is able to produce insulin but is not able to produce enough or the body does not respond to the insulin that is being produced (known as insulin resistance). People with type 2 diabetes must be on a low carbohydrate diet to keep their diabetes from getting worse. Type 1 usually has a sudden onset, often in younger individuals, whereas type 2 develops gradually and is more common in adults, though it’s increasing in children. Both types require careful management to prevent complications and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Type 2 diabetes is primarily a result of insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, and/or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. It is often associated with genetic factors, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. Type 2 is much more common than type 1, accounting for about 90-95% of all diabetes cases.

Onset: It typically develops in adults over 45, but it is increasingly occurring in younger people, including children, due to rising obesity rates.

Symptoms:

• Similar to type 1, including increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision.
• In some cases, no symptoms are present, and the condition is discovered through routine blood tests.
• Symptoms can develop gradually and can go unnoticed for several years.

Treatment:

• Often managed with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight loss.
• Oral medications or non-insulin injectables are often used to help control blood sugar levels.
• Insulin therapy may be required if other treatments are not effective.