Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. "While type 1 and type 2 diabetes share some similarities, they are distinct in their causes, risk factors, and treatment methods," says Eric M. Hughes, MD, Family Medicine at ARC Cedar Park Building C. "It's important for patients to understand these differences in order to manage their condition more effectively."
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
Different factors, such as genetics and some viruses, may cause type 1 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can also develop in adults.
There is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Treatment is directed toward managing the amount of sugar in the blood using insulin, diet, and lifestyle to prevent complications.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that happens because of a problem in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel. In type 2 diabetes, there are primarily two problems. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into the cells, and cells respond poorly to insulin, taking in less sugar.
Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, but both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can begin during childhood and adulthood. Type 2 diabetes is more common in older adults, but the increase in the number of children with obesity has led to more cases of type 2 diabetes in younger people.
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes. Losing weight, eating well, and exercising can help manage the disease. If diet and exercise aren't enough to control blood sugar, diabetes medications or insulin therapy may be recommended.
What are the risk factors for diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes:
- Genetic factors: Certain genetic markers increase the risk.
- Autoimmune response: The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells.
- Environmental triggers: Possible triggers include viral infections or other environmental factors.
Type 2 diabetes:
- Genetic factors: A family history of diabetes increases risk.
- Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity are major contributors.
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Gestational diabetes: Having had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds.
- Ethnicity: Higher prevalence in certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms for both types:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
Specific to type 1 diabetes:
- Rapid onset of symptoms
- Presence of ketones in the urine (a byproduct of muscle and fat breakdown)
Specific to type 2 diabetes:
- Gradual onset of symptoms
- Areas of darkened skin, often in the armpits and neck (acanthosis nigricans)
How is diabetes treated?
Type 1 diabetes:
- Insulin therapy: Regular insulin injections or an insulin pump.
- Blood sugar monitoring: Frequent monitoring to manage levels.
- Diet and exercise: Balanced diet and regular physical activity to help manage blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes:
- Lifestyle changes: Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and weight loss.
- Medications: Oral medications or non-insulin injectables to help control blood sugar levels.
- Insulin therapy: May be required if other treatments are insufficient.
- Blood sugar monitoring: Regular checks to ensure levels are within target range.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are distinct conditions that require different approaches for management and treatment. "Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for each type of diabetes is essential for effective management and improving quality of life," says Dr. Hughes. "It is important to realize that even if diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed."
If you suspect you have diabetes, consult a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Make an appointment today
ARC Family Medicine primary care doctors and APCs focus on the diagnosis and treatment of most general illnesses and injuries, providing the most up-to-date diagnostic and treatment options available for patients of all ages.
Dr. Hughes is accepting new patients of all ages at ARC Cedar Park Building C. To make an appointment, call 512-259-3467 or schedule online through MyChart or ARC Help Me Book.